asked the Minister for Social Welfare whether he is aware that the number of unemployed workers with unemployment benefit claims current, is now 10 per cent. higher than at the corresponding date last year, and whether the Government have made any investigation into the causes of this deterioration in the unemployment position, and, if so, if he will state their interpretation of the causes and indicate the occupations in which this unemployment has mainly occurred.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Unemployment Position.
Mr. Lemass
On the 26th February, 1955, the latest date for which figures are available, the number of persons claiming unemployment benefit was 1.1 per cent. higher than on the corresponding date in 1954. As the Deputy is aware, the number of claimants for unemployment benefit is only one of the components of the weekly live register figures. On the date mentioned the number of persons applying for unemployment assistance was 12.7 per cent. lower and the total live register was 5.3 per cent. lower than on the corresponding date in 1954. From these figures it is clear that, instead of a deterioration as suggested by the Deputy, there has been a substantial improvement in the unemployment position.
Mr. Lemass
This is another instance of Government complacency.
Is the Minister aware they increased by 1,600 in one week?
The only thing I would say to Deputy Lemass's interjection is that he suggested in his question that the number of unemployment benefit claims was 10 per cent. higher than last year.
Mr. Lemass
From 30,000 to 33,000.
That is wrong. I will give the Deputy the figures.
Mr. Lemass
These are the figures which the Minister's Department circulated.
As I have said before, the Deputy has asked the wrong type of question. The information I have given him now is the information he has asked for. He suggested it was a 10 per cent. increase in the number of persons claiming unemployment benefit; it was 1.1 per cent. I am not trying to conceal anything.