asked the Taoiseach if his attention has been directed to the call of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions for joint action by the two Irish Governments to combat unemployment, having regard to the fact that in the Republic there are 64,000 unemployed compared with 58,000 this time last year; and what steps he proposes to take so that 32-county action on unemployment may be taken together by both Governments.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Unemployment Situation.
8.
I have seen the statement referred to by the Deputy.
Co-operation with the Northern Ireland Government is directed not alone to the general improvement of relations but also to the promotion of joint action in the various fields which hold promise of mutual economic advantages as in the case of tourism, electricity and drainage. By progressively widening the area of co-operation, both parties can contribute to the steady expansion of their respective economies wherein lies the best solution to the problem of unemployment. We will continue to give special attention to projects which will help to increase employment in both parts of Ireland.
Increased employment is a priority of Government policy. As national output expands in 1967, the temporary increase in unemployment experienced over the past year should be reversed.
The Taoiseach agrees that the greatest problem we in the Republic have at present is the problem of rising unemployment and that the Six County Government are faced with exactly the same problem? Does he not think it desirable then to have an immediate conference with Captain O'Neill to see if anything can be done in a serious effort by both Governments to have some practical steps taken to provide work for the thousands of unemployed on both sides of the Border?
I do not think anything would be gained by engaging in a spectacular exercise like that. Only the day before yesterday, we had the Minister for Industry and Commerce in consultation with the Minister for Commerce in the North. These are practical steps.
The Taoiseach will agree that lip sympathy for the thousands of unemployed will be little consolation for them unless some practical steps are taken to provide work for them?
That is what I am suggesting we are doing.
I am not in a position to do anything about it, so I am asking the Taoiseach what is he going to do.
Is the Taoiseach aware that it is impossible for a resident of the Twenty-six Counties to procure unskilled employment in the Six Counties without a residence permit, whereas an unemployed person in the Six Counties may take up employment here? Would he seek reciprocal arrangements with the Six County Government?
That would be worth while.