asked the Minister for Local Government whether he is aware that a great number of road workers in Tipperary, South Riding, are unemployed, and, if so, if he will give favourable consideration to the question of making a supplementary grant available to relieve such unemployment during the winter months.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Tipperary Road Workers.
The information available to me is that current employment on road works in Tipperary, South Riding, is somewhat greater than in the corresponding period last year. I am not at present in a position to make a statement in reply to the latter part of the Deputy's question.
Is the Minister aware that most, if not all, of the money estimated is spent during the summer months because of the good weather? Tipperary, South Riding, has spent most of its money on the tarring and resurfacing of roads and so on. The result is that now they have no money left for the winter months except the Supplementary Estimate for £15,000.
I am not so aware, but I am aware of the fact that in October, 1954, 451 men were employed by the Tipperary, South Riding, and in October, 1955, 498 men were employed; there were 47 more men employed in 1955 as against 1954.