asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he is aware of studies, or experiments, in other countries such as the United Kingdom and the Netherlands whereby those who sign for unemployment benefit are involved in constructive work on behalf of the community rather than encouraged to remain entirely idle; and his attitude towards such experiments.
Written Answers. - Community Work for Unemployed.
534.
I have seen in recent times references to the studies and experiments referred to by the Deputy and I am having them studied. Any action that might be taken would have to be assessed having regard to relevance to the circumstances of this country. Consultation would also be necessary with other Government Departments and State organisations concerned. Meanwhile the Government have set up a working party to urgently explore the role which public work programmes could play in providing an alternative to unemployment.