asked the Taoiseach what proposals he has to deal with unemployment.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Unemployment Proposals.
1.
The Government's plans for increasing employment are set out in the Second Programme for Economic Expansion. As indicated in the Progress Report for 1965, the increase in employment has fallen short of the targets, and the necessary studies are in hand to identify the factors responsible for the shortfall and to consider what remedial action should be taken. The results of these studies will be published as soon as possible.
It will be recalled that the National Industrial Economic Council recently came to the conclusion that, subject to certain assumptions, the industrial targets set for 1970 by the Second Programme for Economic Expansion remain capable of achievement.
Can the Taoiseach tell us where are the 100,000 new jobs we were promised a few years ago?
That does not arise.
Is the Taoiseach aware that unemployment is on the increase and that if it were not for the safety valve of emigration, we would have almost half a million people unemployed in Ireland today?
(Interruptions.)
Does the Taoiseach understand that in order to achieve the targets for employment between now and 1970 it will be necessary to create 15,000 new jobs each year?
That does not arise.
It would be very desirable if we could do that.
Has the Taoiseach any plans to ensure that this will be done?
An examination of the circumstances which have resulted in the employment figures falling short of the targets so far is now proceeding and the results of this examination will be published shortly.