asked the Taoiseach if he is aware of the widespread unemployment in County Mayo, with consequent hardship for many families; and what steps he proposes to take to remedy this serious situation.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Mayo Unemployment.
3.
I would refer the Deputy to my reply to questions on 14th December, 1965, since when the unemployment position in County Mayo has not altered significantly.
From the beginning of this year weekly payments are being made to smallholders in County Mayo and other western areas under an amendment of the Unemployment Assistance code based on a new method of assessing means arising out of the occupation of land in those areas.
Even in the difficult circumstances of this year, it has been decided in the recent Budget to allocate £100,000 for special schemes for small western farms.
Up to 31st December, 1965, grants totalling over £10,000,000 were approved under the Undeveloped Areas Acts for undertakings involving a total capital investment estimated at over £27,000,000 and estimated employment, at full production, of over 15,000 persons. Further proposals for new industrial projects in these areas are under examination.
Is the Taoiseach aware that since he gave those previous replies, the position has still further deteriorated, due, in the main, to the fact that Mayo County Council cannot get sanction for loans for which they applied some time ago? Our public works have been held up with consequent serious loss to people in towns such as Swinford, Castlebar, Ballina, Charlestown and eleswhere.
I understand that Mayo County Council have now been informed of the capital funds to be made available to them.
(Interruptions.)
I have heard of a figure of £100,000 being allocated but I do not know where it is in the Book of Estimates.
It is in the Budget Statement, not in the Estimates.
I will take the Taoiseach's word for it but will the Taoiseach not agree that the Special Employment Schemes Office has almost completely closed down and that £457,600 less is being spent by that Office in the west this year?
The Estimate for the Office of Public Works will be before the Dáil shortly.