asked the Minister for Finance whether, in view of the fact that Bord na Móna has recently laid off a large number of men in the Edenderry area of Offaly and the Portarlington area of Laoighis, thereby causing serious hardship on the approach of Christmas, he will make available immediately to each council involved a substantial grant for the immediate relief of unemployment in both these areas.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Unemployment in Offaly and Laoighis.
Mr. O'Higgins
Each of the county councils concerned has already been informed by circular of a substantial road improvement grant by the Department of Local Government, and supplemental grants under the Local Authorities (Works) Act are also under consideration for these counties. Additional grants for bog development schemes are also being authorised by my office. The works to be carried out under the above grants should afford substantial additional employment in the county areas concerned, including the districts referred to by the Deputy.
Might I inquire from the Parliamentary Secretary whether any moneys, or the authorisation for the spending of moneys, can be sent out either to-day or to-morrow to the county councils of Laoighis and Offaly in order that employment may be given to men recently let off by Bord na Móna? The unemployment position, I can assure you, is serious in both of those counties as a result of Bord na Móna letting off the men.
It has been serious on many occasions.