asked the Minister for Finance if the Special Employment Schemes Office has received a number of proposals from the Laoighis County Council for schemes to relieve unemployment in various parts of the county; and, if so, whether the proposals have been examined and when sanction for them will be given.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Special Employment Schemes.
Incommon with other county councils, Laoighis County Council has forwarded a number of employment scheme proposals in respect of towns and villages.
I understand county councils have already been informed by circular of a substantial road improvement grant by the Department of Local Government and this, it is hoped, will be adequate to meet the employment needs in the areas concerned.
May I ask if the Minister is aware that in one instance in the constituency of Laoighis-Offaly last year, the Christmas relief grant which was sanctioned came in the month of February and will he ensure that, so far as Christmas relief works are concerned, sanction will be sent down, particularly to Laoighis County Council, this week, so that the workers will have at least one week's wages before Christmas?
May I ask whether the Minister has received a request from the county manager for Laoighis and Offaly during the past week asking for specified allocations for schemes submitted in detail?
I think I have answered Deputy Davin's supplementary question already. I am aware that works are already proceeding in Laoighis County as a result of the circular sent down and the scheme submitted.
What was the amount allocated in the case of these two counties?
I do not know the exact amount, but I know that Laoighis will get its proportionate share of the total.
When was the circular sent down? Was it this week?
I think it was sent down about the 4th December.
This is the 10th and no work has started yet.
My information is that work has already commenced in a number of places.