asked the Minister for Finance if it is a fact that active consideration is being given to the reorganisation of the Special Employment Schemes Office with a view to the transfer of its funds and functions to the Land Commission, the Land Project Office and the county councils; and if in view of its importance to the western counties he considers this good policy.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Special Employment Schemes Office.
42.
I regret that I cannot at this stage add anything to my recent replies to other questions on this subject. A decision has not yet been taken on the future of the Office. Any changes decided on will take due account of the needs of the western counties.
In view of the apprehension in the minds of all the staffs working in the West, does the Parliamentary Secretary not agree it is high time the position was cleared up? Is it a fact that no director has yet been appointed to the Office?
It is a fact that no director has been appointed, and I can assure the Deputy there is no avoidable delay in coming to a decision on this matter.
They are doing no work at the moment anyway.
That is not true at all.
Are they receiving applications for work?
Apparently we can take it there will be a change.
The Parliamentary Secretary has nodded his head. I suppose it can go on the record.