asked the Minister for Social Welfare if, in view of the rising unemployment and the very long distances between employment exchanges in Dublin and such areas as Ballyfermot, Cabra and Crumlin, he will either arrange to have branch employment exchanges opened in these areas or arrange with C.I.E. for the provision of free transport for the unemployed persons in these areas.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Branch Employment Exchanges in Dublin.
The provision of Local Offices of my Department in the outlying suburbs of Dublin is something in which, as the Deputy is aware, I have been deeply interested for some time. I have had the question examined in the Department and certain proposals have been formulated but it has not been found practicable for a number of reasons to bring them to fruition up to now. While I do not see any immediate prospect of realising the proposals I would like to assure the Deputy that I am not without hope that when the circumstances become more favourable their realisation may be found practicable. In the meantime I will have the possibility of Dublin claimants being allowed to register at local Gardaí Barracks examined.
As to the request in the latter part of the Deputy's question, I think it might be more appropriate if the Deputy made his request directly to the company.
In view of the high rate of unemployment and of the added transport difficulty which resulted from the shortage of fuel, would the Minister not consider it a matter of urgency to try and make arrangements next month to enable the unemployed during the winter to register in the local Gárda stations as a temporary measure? I feel sure the Minister is aware that in many cases the unemployment exchanges are as far away as five miles from those people and that the bus fares to and from them would amount to 10d.
I have indicated that I am trying to have it arranged that they will register at Gárda stations.
Would it not be a simple matter to give them a single fare ticket?