asked the Minister for Finance if he is aware of the need for starting employment schemes along the western seaboard of Clare, at Doonbeg, Cree, Quilty, Mullagh, etc.; that large areas of land in these districts are in need of drainage; and, if so, whether he will state the number of schemes which have been submitted to him from these districts and whether they have been examined and approved; further, if he will make arrangements to commence work on some of these schemes immediately.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Clare Employment Schemes.
I am aware that there were a number of unemployed county council turf workers in this area, principally in the electoral division of Mullagh, and I understand that work has been provided for them under the special scheme recently approved by the Government. I am not aware of any other exceptional unemployment in the district.
Normally, employment schemes are sanctioned to give employment to recipients of unemployment assistance during the winter months; drainage schemes, however, are seldom suitable for execution at that time of the year. If the landholders are prepared to contribute under the rural improvements scheme, approved drainage works can be carried out independently of the unemployment position, and at any time of the year which is suitable.
Four drainage proposals have been submitted for this area under the rural improvements scheme, of which two were unsuitable, one is in hands for inspection, and an offer was made in the remaining case but was not accepted by the landholders.