Vol. 170 No. 5
asked the Taoiseach if he will state the average number of people in insurable employment in each of the years 1955, 1956, 1957 and the total number in insurable employment in June, 1956, 1957 and 1958.
the number of persons in insurable employment are available only in the
Particulars of from of estimates based on the sales of insurance stamps. The total number of stamps sold, and issued to employer depositors in 1955 was 25,806,000; in 1956 it was 25,922,000; and in 1957 it was 24,079,000. The average number of stamps sold per week in a year provides an estimate of the average number of persons in insurable employment each week throughout the year. These weekly averages for the three years in question are respectively 496,300, 498,500 and 463,100. It is not possible to provide similar estimates for periods shorter than a year.
That we may the better understand the figures given, does the Parliamentary Secretary tell us that there was an average decline in the 12 months ending 31st December—I take it that the Parliamentary Secretary is speaking of calendar years—in weekly employment of 35,000 persons in the calendar year 1957?
May I repeat the answer to the question which I have just read? It is as follows:—
"Particulars of the number of persons in insurable employment are available only in the form of estimates based on the sales of insurance stamps. The total number of stamps sold, and issued to employer depositors in 1955 was 25,806,000, in 1956 it was 25,922,000 and in 1957 it was 24,079,000. The average number of stamps sold per week in a year provides an estimate of the average number of persons in insurable employment each week throughout the year. These weekly averages for the three years in question are respectively 496,300, 498,500 and 463,100. It is not possible to provide similar estimates for periods shorter than a year."
Might I suggest, in view of the dramatic character of those figures, which suggest a decline of 35,000 persons in insurable employment, the Taoiseach should ask the Statistics Department to check them, in view of his own undertaking that the record of his Government was to be judged by its failure or success in putting men to work?
That is an entirely separate matter. This is a factual question.
Yes, Sir, and I am suggesting that the Taoiseach should ask the Department of Statistics to check that statistic.
That does not arise on a factual question.
I am querying the and expressing my amazement.
