asked the Taoiseach if, in view of the fact that unemployment has consistently been running at some 2,000 to 3,000 more persons unemployed this year than in comparable periods last year, he will make a statement on the reasons for this increase and on the unemployment situation generally.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Unemployment Increase.
1.
It would not be possible to determine the general reasons why total claimants for unemployment benefit showed an increase of 2,000 to 3,000 earlier this year.
The rate of unemployment, although somewhat higher than the corresponding rate in the year 1965 has, however, shown a steady improvement in recent months. In fact, the current total of insured employees is the highest ever recorded and the number of persons engaged in transportable goods industries in the latest quarter covered by the Industrial Production Enquiry was the highest recorded for any corresponding period.
It does not get away from the fact that we still have more unemployed this year—is that right?
As compared with the most recent corresponding date last year, the increase is 1,700.