asked the Minister for Finance if he is now in a position to indicate the nature of the proposals which he has in contemplation to provide work for a substantial number of the unemployed persons registering at the employment exchange.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Proposals of Work for Unemployed.
It is regretted that the answer is in the negative.
Arising out of that negative answer, I want to know if the Parliamentary Secretary can indicate when it is likely proposals will be made to provide the work, which he indicated in reply to a question on the same subject some time ago, for those who are seeking employment at the different exchanges, who are drawing unemployment assistance benefit and who are looking for work and are unable to get the work?
At the earliest possible moment.
Might I ask if that is the net result of the Parliamentary Secretary's three years' labours—that he cannot find employment?
Does the Parliamentary Secretary appreciate the fact that there are 130,000 registered in the employment exchanges throughout the country, and a terse answer such as "at the earliest possible moment" is very little consolation for these hungry people? Will he do something in a practical way to put into operation the promise he made in this House a few weeks ago?
When I say at the earliest possible moment I mean that exactly.
This, after three years.