asked the Minister for Finance if he will make available for the information of Deputies copies of the recent regulations under which recipients of unemployment assistance arc being employed or are about to be employed on certain relief work, and if he will indicate the policy of the Department in regard to the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Relief Work Regulations.
The Deputy probably refers to certain roads schemes at present in progress in Galway and other counties in which employment is virtually confined to workmen eligible for unemployment assistance. The rates of wages paid are those current in the district for analogous work, and the number of days' employment afforded to each workman is proportioned to the scale of unemployment assistance to which he is entitled.
It is hoped to give full particulars in this matter at a later date.
Can the Parliamentary Secretary say what proportion, approximately, the rate of wages paid bears to the amount of unemployment assistance benefit?
It is more. That is all I can say.
Is it expressed as a minimum percentage?
I do not want to give a percentage now, but I hope to be able to give a complete statement at a later date.