HC Deb 29 October 1908 vol 195 cc506-7
MR. MOONEY (Newry)

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether the Irish Local Government Board have taken any steps to find out the number of unemployed in Ireland at the present time, or have taken any steps for the efficient distribution of such portion of the unemployed grant as Ireland may be entitled to; and, if no steps have been taken, will he issue instructions to the Local Government Board to take action forthwith.

MR. BIRRELL

When the Local Government Board of Ireland receive representations from distress committees that there is abnormal lack of employment in any locality, the Board adopt every means in their power to ascertain the facts. Every application for a grant is dealt with on its merits and with due regard to the relative necessities of the districts in which there is abnormal distress from want of employment. I think it desirable to make it clear that the grant for unemployed workmen is not intended to be applied towards the relief of the ordinary distress arising from poverty, which is properly provided for by means of the Poor Law. I understand that the object of the grant is to provide employment in those districts in which, owing to severe trade depression temporarily affecting local industries, the able-bodied working-men have found themselves suddenly deprived, wholly or in part, of their usual means of earning a livelihood.

MR. MOONEY

inquired if the Irish Local Government Board would follow the example of the English Local Government Board in making grants to distressed districts?

MR. BIRRELL

I think the Irish Local Government Board is an example to the English Board.

MR. PATRICK O'BRIEN (Kilkenny)

What sort?

In reply to MR. NANNETTI (Dublin, College Green),

MR. BIRRELL

said a grant would be made to Dublin almost immediately.

MR. JOYCE (Limerick)

asked if it was not the fact that when Irish local authorities applied for loans they were refused? Could not the right hon. Gentleman bring pressure to bear on the Treasury to grant them?

MR. BIRRELL

I am anxious to sanction all loans that can possibly be sanctioned for the relief of distress.