asked the Taoiseach whether he has received a resolution from the Roscommon County Council urging the Government to give special consideration to the depressed area of West Roscommon by way of special grants, in view of the large number of married and single men emigrating from that area; and, if so, what action he proposes to take in the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Emigration from West Roscommon: County Council Resolution.
3.
I received a copy of the resolution in question and referred it to the appropriate Ministers for any necessary action by them. I understand that the Department of Lands have already been in communication with Roscommon County Council.
Will the Tánaiste say whether or not the Taoiseach as head of the Government, intends to take any steps to direct the Ministers who are responsible in this matter to see that employment is given in this locality?
I am sure the Taoiseach, as head of a Government which represents all the people of the State, will not show any favouritism to any particular corner.
Surely the Tánaiste is aware of the fact that the local authority concerned, of which quite a number of his own Party are members, have asked that special consideration be given to one of the localities which is most seriously affected by emigration, and does the Tánaiste not agree that special circumstances deserve special consideration?
I am aware that close and sympathetic consideration has been given to West Roscommon but I do not think that special consideration should be given to it to the exclusion of every other part of Ireland where there might be the same degree of hardship.