asked the Minister for Finance if he is prepared to vary the rotation scheme in operation on relief works, so that men will be permitted to work every alternate week, instead of three days each week as at present.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Relief Works Rotation Scheme.
It is not intended at present to alter the regulations as to the employment of men on relief schemes, but I would be glad to discuss with any Deputy the question of the application of the rotational system of employment to relief schemes, or to receive in writing from any responsible person, having personal knowledge of the existing conditions, any suggestions for their improvement.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware of the hardship caused in consequence of the fact that sometimes two days out of the three are wet, and that therefore those people are then unable to go to the Labour Exchange to draw any money for that week because they have had only one day's employment?
I am aware of those difficulties, and those are among the difficulties that I would be very glad to discuss with the Deputy.
Mr. Hogan
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that three days' employment breaks a claim for unemployment assistance and that in some cases those people do not get paid for a fortnight or three weeks, either for the work they did or by way of unemployment assistance?
I am aware that three days' employment breaks the claim for unemployment assistance. I should be glad to have particulars of any particular case of the other kind alluded to by the Deputy. I know such cases have occurred.
Mr. Hogan
Will the Parliamentary Secretary say if such representations or complaints are to be sent to him or to the Department of Industry and Commerce, because I have already sent such complaints to the Department of Industry and Commerce.
The best person to send to for anything you want is I.
Mr. Hogan
I hope the Parliamentary Secretary is taking this matter seriously. I am very serious on it because it affects at least 100 people in my constituency. I have already sent on reports and verified statements to another Department.
The correct Department is the Department of Local Government and Public Health.
Does the Parliamentary Secretary think that this pauperised system of employment is worthy of serious discussion at all?
I decline to discuss anything on the basis of words of that character.