asked the Taoiseach the total number on the live register of unemployed on 16th June, 1967 and on 24th June, 1966; if he will give the reasons for the increase; and what prospects of employment there are for the increased number of unemployed.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Unemployment Increase.
2.
The recently published Industrial Analysis of the Live Register as on 16th June, 1967, sets out the changes, and the reasons therefor so far as they can be determined, since the corresponding date last year—which was the 17th June, 1966. The increase in the total—from 42,410 to 49,185—is largely attributable to the fact that—following the announcement in connection with the Budget—the usual Second Employment Period Order is not in operation this year.
As regards the last part of the question, I would refer the Deputy to my reply to Question No. 2 of the 26th April last.
The Parliamentary Secretary mentioned that one of the reasons for the increase is the Second Employment Period Order not being in operation this year. Are the Parliamentary Secretary and Taoiseach not aware that this trend has being going on during the past 12 months, that there has been an increase for the corresponding period of between 6,000 and 8,000?
On the contrary, the trend has been in the other direction.
Not at all.
Benefit figures for the corresponding period this year have been reduced.
Surely the Taoiseach realises that what he has said is completely wrong? Before the Budget, the employment figures were between 5,500 and 6,000 higher. The Leader of the Labour Party is right.
What I have been saying is that the difference between this year and the corresponding period of last year, week for week, is that there is a reduction.
I said that this trend has been there for the last 12 months.
Does the Taoiseach mean that the figures shown in the document supplied to us for last year and this year, week by week show that the numbers unemployed this year are smaller than last year? If that is so, it is not correct. The Taoiseach should check on his facts.
There is a difference between 5,000 and 8,000 in the unemployment benefit payments. A direct comparison with last year is not possible.
The Parliamentary Secretary is now talking about unemployment benefit.
Unemployment benefit payments.
The figures are up for this year.
One cannot compare that and this year because this year the second Employment Period Order has been suspended. Unemployment benefit payments showed a decrease of 1,400 at mid-June.
There are more people unemployed.
Is it true that the Parliamentary Secretary gave figures which show that there are 167,000 fewer people employed now than 15 years ago?
The latest figure reports a drop of nearly 17,000 as compared with the high level in the second week of January, 1967. The unemployment benefit payments are down. The Deputy cannot have it both ways.
(Interruptions.)
Is it not true that Fianna Fáil altered the figures in January, 1966 and if the 24,000 deducted then were added to this figure, it would make a big difference?
(Interruptions.)