Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 30 Oct 1957

Vol. 164 No. 2

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Unemployment Benefit and Unemployment Assistance.

Mr. Russell

asked the Taoiseach if he will state the average number of unemployed persons (male and female) drawing (a) unemployment benefit, and (b) unemployment assistance in each of the years 1947 to 1956, and to the latest date in 1957.

Donnchadh Ó Briain

I propose, with the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, to circulate in the Official Report a statement giving the required information.

Following is the statement:—

AVERAGE of the end of month figures, distinguishing wales and females, for (a) claimants to Unemployment Benefit, (b) applicants for Unemployment Assistance in the years 1947-56 find in January-September, 1956 and 1957.

Period	Claimants to Unemployment Benefit	Applicants for Unemployment Assistance
Males	Females	Total	Males	Females	Total
Year:
1947	13,666	4,294	17,960	33,026	1,213	34,239
1948	14,653	4,602	19,255	38,883	1,058	39,941
1949	13,880	4,957	18,837	39,210	1,158	40,368
1950	11,956	4,676	16,632	34,389	1,112	35,501
1951	12,223	6,388	18,611	30,453	1,118	31,571
1952	16,538	7,925	24,463	33,529	1,293	34,822
1953	32,361	7,328	39,689	27,059	702	27,761
1954	25,322	7,384	32,706	26,183	839	27,022
1955	25,327	5,168	30,495	22,593	671	23,264
1956	31,057	5,725	36,782	22,590	599	23,189
January-September:
1956	29,757	5,248	35,005	21,174	593	21,767
1957	33,355	6,526	39,881	26,129	722	26,851

NOTE:—The coming into operation of certain provisions of the Social Welfare Act, 1952 on 5 January, 1953 affects the comparison of figures relating to periods before and after that date.