asked the Minister for Social Welfare the total number of people unemployed in County Roscommon; and the total number unemployed under 25 years.
Written Answers. - Unemployment in Roscommon.
125.
The latest area of residence analysis published by the CSO refers to 19 August 1988. At that time there were 1,992 persons unemployed in County Roscommon and approximately 460 of these were under 25 years of age.
126.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when he will introduce the scheme whereby people aged over 55 before they became eligible for retirement pensions and who are unemployed for a long period will be able to sign on every three months instead of weekly.
The Department is currently engaged in renewed discussions with the Union representing staff at employment exchanges on the introduction of arrangements whereby persons over age 55 who are in receipt of unemployment assistance at the long term rate will be required to register as unemployed once every three months while being paid weekly at their local post office.
It is hoped that, arising from these discussions, agreement will be reached which will enable the arrangements to be introduced at an early date.