asked the Taoiseach whether he is aware that unemployment is widespread through the country; and, if so, if he will state what steps, if any, the Government propose to take to provide work.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Relief of Unemployment.
asked the Taoiseach if, in view of the widespread unemployment and its alarming growth in recent weeks, he will indicate to the country what steps the Government propose to take to alleviate distress and improve conditions.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle I proposeto take Questions Nos. 4 and 5 together.
I am aware that the unemployment figures have increased in recent weeks. There is, of course, always an increase in the Live Register in January, but the increase was greater this year than last year.
It is a fundamental aim of the Government's economic and social policy to create conditions favourable for employment. In addition, the Government endeavour, within the limited sphere available to them, to provide employment on constructive works to the extent permitted by the resources of the community. The sums being spent this year on the land improvement scheme, hospitals, road grants and special employment schemes are substantially greater than last year. The number of new schools now being erected and of major school improvement schemes in progress is greater than the corresponding figure 12 months ago. Employment on arterial drainage in January, 1953, was greater than the corresponding figure last year. A Supplementary Estimate is being introduced to maintain employment in afforestation.
It is hardly necessary to say that the increase in the unemployment figures is causing the Government concern. They are watching the situation carefully with a view to providing remedies where possible.
Will the Parliamentary Secretary state what were the figures of employment in regard to the Local Authorities (Works) Act schemes last year? Has he any information on that?
I am afraid I have not got the figures.
That is a separate question.
Might I direct attention to the deplorable position which exists in the town of Mallow at present where some 440 people line up at the labour exchange? Will theTaoiseach direct some of his schemes into that locality?
Might I ask the Taoiseach for an answer as to what he proposes to do to meet the immediate difficult situation that has arisen with regard to unemployment? That is the purpose of the question.
I recognise that that was the purpose of the Deputy's question. I have indicated that the matter is causing concern and that we are considering what, in addition to the schemes which are in operation, could be done to deal with the situation.
Is the Taoiseach aware of the fact that from the figures issued by this own Department the number of persons unemployed to-day is some 13,000 greater than at the same date last year and that the figure is jumping by thousands each week?
It is not.
I invite the Taoiseach to look into the figures.
There is always an increase in January.
I can assure the Taoiseach that the figures are based on information issued by his own Department and are jumping up by thousands each week and the situation has now reached alarming proportions. Surely we ought to have something concrete from the Government as to what they intend to do rather than the airey-fairey announcement about fundamental policy which does not register at all so far as those who have to trek to the labour exchanges every day in the week are concerned.
Can we have an assurance from the Taoiseach that the Government will take some interim action to prevent, not only the rising unemployment, but the alarming impetus to the exodus of young people from this country?
Is it not true that the purpose of the Budget of 1952 was tocreate unemployment? Was not that the avowed purpose of the Budget?
Having regard to the fact that unemployment is now higher than it has been since January, 1943, during the war, does the Taoiseach not consider that a crisis of the first magnitude has been created and that it is now necessary to put into operation emergency relief schemes to provide work?
I do not agree that a crisis of the first magnitude has occured. There is a situation that causes concern and the Government are giving it the attention it deserves on that account.
The House would like some indication of the measures proposed.
There has been some indication given.
Has the Taoiseach any method of finding out the number of unemployed persons who emigrated during the last four or five months?
Unfortunately, it is very difficult in present conditions to get any accurate figures with regard to emigration.
Is the Taoiseach aware that many thousands have emigrated?
I am not aware of it. I do not think anyone can prove it. I do not think it is a fact.
From one town alone in Country Wexford, namely, Enniscorthy, 100 emigrated during the last month.
I understood the Budget was designed to achieve this purpose.
Owing to the unsatisfactory nature of the answer, I give notice that I shall raise the matter on the Adjournment.
I will communicate with the Deputy.
I also desire to give notice.