asked the Minister for Finance if, in view of the unprecedented unemployment in Tralee, he will consider making a special grant available so that as many as possible could be put to work for a few weeks before Christmas.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Tralee Unemployment.
A grant proportionate to the number of unemployment assistance recipients in the area has already been allocated from the Employment and Emergency Schemes Vote for Tralee and schemes to absorb this allocation have been approved. These schemes are intended to provide employment during the winter months, including the Christmas period.
Is the Minister aware of the fact that in the local papers members of his own Party are reported to have stated that the unemployment position was never worse in the town than at the moment? I think that Tralee should get a special grant.
Well, the official figures do not bear out any statements that have been made in regard to the position, because the number of unemployed registered as unemployment assistance recipients is lower than it was this time last year or the year before.
Those figures have been compiled 12 months ago—January of this year.
I have recent figures— as recently as last Friday.
Will you give them to us?
The Minister's own Party in the urban council have said that unemployment was never worse in the town. I have the report of the meeting here.
You have to stick to the official figures.