asked the Minister for Finance whether he is aware of the acute unemployment in Tuam, County Galway, and whether he has received any proposals which will result in the immediate relief of such unemployment.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Tuam Unemployment.
I am aware that the present unemployment in the Tuam area is seasonal, and is due largely to the closing down of the normal sugar campaign. The usual proportionate allocation in respect of the unemployment assistance recipients has already been made for this area and no other proposals have been received by the Minister for Finance towards the relief of unemployment. As indicated by the Minister for Industry and Commerce in reply to similar questions in respect of other areas the establishment of industries is primarily a matter for private enterprise and local initiative. The Deputy cannot be unaware of the efforts in this respect which are pending in the Tuam area. It is anticipated that additional employment will shortly become available locally on the Corrib drainage operations, and I am advised that work is also available in connection with the Irish Sugar Company's scheme at Gowla.