asked the President if the Executive Council have considered the Report of the Unemployment Committee, and, if so, whether he can now state their views on the Committee's recommendations.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - UNEMPLOYMENT COMMITTEE'S REPORT.
The Committee on the Relief of Unemployment have presented two reports to the Executive Council, an interim report and a final report. The recommendations contained in the interim report deal with—
(a) Road works;
(b) Unemployment in the Painting Trade; and
(c) Unemployment in the Clothing Trade.
The Department of Local Government and Public Health has had under constant review the progress of the scheme financed out of the roads fund. The attention of local authorities has on more than one occasion been drawn to the necessity for expediting this work, and local authorities have been invited, in any case where there are obstacles to progress, to consult with the Department with a view to their removal. In any case where there have been indications of dilatoriness in the carrying out of schemes by contractors they have been called upon to proceed with greater energy. The Department is satisfied that everything that can be done to expedite the work under these schemes is being done, and the progress made will receive continuous attention.
The recommendation of the Committee that internal painting of buildings and premises occupied by Government Departments should be carried out as far as possible during the winter months has been adopted.
Arrangements are also being made to enable contracts for clothing and equipment to be placed so that the volume of work available for execution during the slack seasons will be as large as possible, having regard to the requirements of the public service.
The recommendations contained in the final report of the Committee are receiving urgent consideration by the Departments concerned, but the departmental examination has not yet been completed.