asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware that the unemployment figures for the Republic of Ireland have increased by approximately 14,000 over the past 12 months; and, if so, if he will state what proposals the Government have to alleviate the plight of the 70,000 persons who cannot find work in this country.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Relief of Unemployment.
I am aware that, on the 26th April, 1952, the last date for which the figures are available, the registered unemployed numbered 67,766, which was an increase of 12,853 over the figure for the corresponding date last year. Britain and many European countries are at present also experiencing a phase of increased unemployment notwithstanding the expansion of the production of war materials.
As regards the last part of the question, I do not think that I can usefully add anything to what the Tánaiste has already said in the Dáil in reply to the motion moved by Deputies Norton and Larkin on the 14th February, 1952.
Surely it is poor consolation to the unemployed of this country to say that Britain and other countries find themselves in the same plight? I cannot say that I remember any specific proposals by the Tánaiste in the debate on the motion to which the Minister referred. Surely, at this stage, there could be some indication from the Government as to what proposals they have in mind for the present year to alleviate the plight of the unemployed during the present year?
Wait until they have a chance of consulting Mr. Butler.
If the Deputy will read the reply of the Tánaiste in the debate to which I referred, he will find that the Tánaiste dealt comprehensively with the matter. The Government, of course, are taking all possible steps to increase production both in agriculture and in industry so that increased employment may be given and extra production brought about to support the volume of consumption of our people.
Whilst I appreciate the difficulty in which Ministers find themselves at present, I also realise that the type of employment to which the Tánaiste referred was based on a long-term policy. Surely, whilst nobody likes the smack of relief schemes, the Government could in the meantime do something to relieve unemployment?
That is being done. There is an increased provision as against last year.
The unemployment figures are not going down.
They have dropped by 3,000 inside a week.