asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he is aware that a serious unemployment problem exists in the Pullough district in Offaly, and, if so, whether he is prepared to take steps in conjunction with Bord na Móna to deal with the situation.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Unemployment in Offaly.
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether, in view of the serious unemployment situation in Pullough, Offaly, development work on two bogs in the Derrycooley-Roscore area will be undertaken forthwith by Bord na Móna.
I propose with the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, to take Questions Nos. 19 and 20 together.
I am informed by Bord na Móna that they are retaining in employment the maximum number of men for whom useful work is available. The number at present employed on the bogs in this district is 429. The board have also stated that the area of bog already developed is adequate for the needs of the power station and the briquetting factory and that development of further areas would be uneconomic at the present time.