asked the Taoiseach (a) the estimated number of people on the land at present; and (b) the number who left the land last year.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Employment on Land.
1.
The number of persons living outside towns and villages, as returned at the 1961 Census of Population, was 1,257,579. The number of persons at work, together with their dependants, in the occupations farmers, farmers' relatives, farm managers, other agricultural occupations and fishermen was 973,179. Corresponding information for a later period is not available. While the number of persons who left the land in a recent year is not available, it is estimated that the number of persons at work in agriculture, forestry and fishing decreased by 14,000 between April, 1964, and April, 1965.
Surely the Taoiseach is fully aware that over 50,000 people have left the land in the past three years; and I should like to ask him now has he any proposals at the present time to encourage people to stay on the land?
That does not arise. This is a factual question asking for statistics.
Surely the Taoiseach realises that it is due to economic conditions that the people are leaving the land?
That does not arise. This is a factual question asking for figures.
I am quite surprised at Deputy L'Estrange looking for information from the Taoiseach when he knows now that the Taoiseach will not give any information until after June 1st.
That does not arise.