asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health if he is aware that a large number of people are suffering acute distress owing to unemployment in the town of Athlone, and if he will make a grant to the Urban Council from the Road Fund for the purpose of providing employment and further, if he is aware that the Council can provide work for a large number of men on main and other than main roads in the district if the money is forthcoming.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - UNEMPLOYMENT IN ATHLONE.
SEAN O LAIDHIN
No representations have recently been made to my Department in regard to unemployment in Athlone. From a report of the Chief Roads Engineer there, there is no immediate necessity for the making of a grant for road work in the town, in view of the work already done under previous grants.
Is the Minister aware that there are over 700 people unemployed in that town and that the Urban Council is prepared, if the Minister advances money, to raise an equal amount for the purpose of giving employment?
I have no power to make a grant for that purpose at present.
Has the Minister any authority, if the Urban Council puts forward a scheme whereby the men will be given employment, to sanction that scheme, or will he consider favourably giving something towards that scheme even outside the Road Grant?