asked the Minister for Local Government how much extra is being allocated to (a) County Longford and (b) County Westmeath for local improvement works as compensation for the cessation of unemployment assistance; and when such allocations will be made.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Local Improvement Works.
51.
The grant allocations under the Local Improvements Scheme in 1971-72 to Counties Longford and Westmeath represent increases of £15,500 and £1,000 respectively over 1970-71.
The county councils were notified of their allocations on 8th April, 1971.
Can we take it from the Parliamentary Secretary's reply that in Longford an extra £15,000 and in Westmeath £1,000 is being made available to meet the cutting off of the dole for single men?
That is the reply.
Deputy Cooney mentioned the cutting off of the dole for single men. Is the Parliamentary Secretary not aware that any additional works under the local improvements schemes will be carried out by the councils' regular staff and not by the men who will lose their unemployment assistance as a result of the Minister's annulment Order which was approved in the House last week?
This is purely an assumption on the Deputy's part. There is no foundation for this whatsoever.
Question No. 52.
The interpretation down in Cork is that such men——
The question relates to Longford and Westmeath only. I am calling Question No. 52.
(Interruptions.)
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that I have read four letters from Mayo County Council——
This has nothing to do with County Mayo. Will the Deputy please resume his seat?