asked the Taoiseach the reasons for the increase of 6,000 persons in the number of unemployed since 16th September; and what steps are being taken by the Government to provide alternative employment for such persons.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Unemployment Increase.
5.
The increase, which was predominantly of a seasonal nature, was due mainly to seasonal slackness in turf work, agriculture, building work, local authority work, hotels and finance, together with some dockside unemployment.
So far as employment in the agricultural industry is concerned, the Government, have provided a comprehensive programme of assistance and support for the industry and will continue to take any measures within the limit of the resources available to them which may seem to be necessary.
In the industrial sphere, the campaign for the attraction of new industry and for the adaptation and expansion of existing industry is being pursued with vigour. The promotional effort of the Industrial Development Authority abroad is being intensified. As a further step in the industrial development programme, legislation has been enacted enabling An Foras Tionscal to undertake the construction of industrial estates with factory premises available at reduced rents. The development of these industrial estates is expected to attract thereto industries which might not be located in Ireland at all but for the facilities offered at these estates.
Since I tabled this question, the unemployment figures have risen by over 4,200 making a total of some 10,000 between 16th September and 14th November, 1966. Is it not the position that if the unemployment figures were compiled on the same basis as they used to be, then the number of unemployed would now be in the region of 62,000? Would the Taoiseach give an assurance that some concrete steps will be taken to provide immediate employment for these people?
The increase of some 4,000, to which the Deputy has referred, is due to the Employment Period Orders coming to an end as a result of which smallholders now come on again to the live register. I can assure the Deputy that the Government will take all steps to reduce the normal figures as quickly as possible.
The Taoiseach will agree that, following the amendment made in the qualifications for unemployment benefit and unemployment assistance whereby small farmers in certain areas are no longer declared ineligible at certain periods of the year, the seasonal fluctuation to which he has made reference will in the future be less than it used to be because there will not be so many people varying the figures?
I am advised that the increase is due to the Employment Period Orders.