asked the Minister for Social Welfare the progress, if any, that has been made in relation to the provision of a new labour exchange in Dún Laoghaire, County Dublin.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dún Laoghaire Labour Exchange.
29.
The Office of Public Works have purchased a suitable site for the erection of a new employment exchange premises at Dún Laoghaire and are at present preparing sketch plans for the new premises.
When was the first announcement about the new employment exchange for Dún Laoghaire made?
I cannot tell the Deputy offhand but I am aware that this has been going on for a considerable period. In fact, nine existing premises were inspected by the Office of Public Works and negotiations with regard to some of them were carried out. Those negotiations and inspections were protracted. In view of the fact that it was not possible, in spite of those efforts, to get a suitable premises it has now been decided to erect a new premises.
I can tell the Parliamentary Secretary that the announcement was made on no fewer than six occasions. Can the Parliamentary Secretary say when the foundation will be laid and when construction of the new employment exchange will begin?
The Office of Public Works are at present preparing sketch plans for the new premises. It is not possible for me to say when work will commence.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that people attending the existing employment exchange are subject to the indignity of queuing on the footpath under public scrutiny? In the circumstances does he appreciate the urgency for a new employment exchange?
I am not so aware but my information is that in order to ensure that this does not occur arrangements have been made varying the times of attendance by people who must attend the office. It is possible that people are not attending at the correct time and come earlier or later but I am not aware that the situation outlined by the Deputy exists.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that the new arrangements came into operation because the situation was as I outlined it?
I do not know. My information is that there has not been queuing on the footpaths because of the staggered hours which were introduced.
The remaining questions will appear on next Tuesday's Order Paper.