asked the Taoiseach if he is aware that since the beginning of this year the figures for the number of persons unemployed in the State have been higher than in recent previous years; if he will give the reason for this increase; and what steps the Government propose to take to remedy it.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Increase in Unemployment.
2.
I am not so aware. The total numbers on the live register since the beginning of this year have been higher than the corresponding figures for last year and, in some weeks, higher also than corresponding figures for 1961. The totals are, however, generally lower, and in some weeks substantially lower, than corresponding figures for the years prior to 1961.
In replies to questions on 7th and 22nd May and on 12th June, I have given the House some explanations of the trend of these figures.
It would not be right to infer that the statistics of the numbers on the live register represent a disimprovement in the situation. Emigration is falling steadily, the population continues to increase, and the latest Quarterly Industrial Production Inquiry shows an increase of 4,400 in the numbers employed in transportable goods industries as compared with last year. The Second Programme for Economic Expansion, the general outline of which is now nearly ready for publication, will indicate broadly the Government's plans for increasing employment further.
Has the Taoiseach any figures for rural employment? He said there was an increase of 4,000.
These figures the Deputy is seeking are only collected annually.