asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware that in the opinion of the members of Naas Urban Council unemployment was never worse in the town; and whether in the circumstances he can make any arrangements to set up an industry there; and, if not, what steps he proposes to take to deal with such unemployment.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Unemployment in Naas.
38.
I am aware of a recent resolution passed by the Naas Urban District Council in which reference was made to the rate of unemployment in the town. I am not aware, however, that unemployment was never worse in the town. I understand that the number of persons registered as unemployed in the urban district at the end of January of this years is at 52, the lowest at the same period in any year since 1956.
The setting up of an industry in any area is primarily a matter for private enterprise and local initiative, encouraged and assisted by the various incentives for industrial development provided by the State. There are at present no new industrial proposals for Naas before my Department. Any sound proposal submitted to me for the establishment of a new industry in the town will be afforded all assistance within my powers.
Is the Minister aware that the statement to the effect that employment was never worse was made by two Fianna Fáil urban councillors. Presumably he is not going to state that they are prejudiced.
The statement is not borne out by the facts because, as I said in my reply, the number of unemployed on the register is 52 and that that, out of a population of almost 4,000, is the lowest since 1956.
Then the Minister's councillors do not know what they are talking about.
It seems they have not consulted the figures.