asked the Taoiseach the total number of people at work in the State, (a) in 1951 and (b) in 1967; and the reasons for any decline.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Employment Figures.
4.
The total number of persons at work in the State in 1951 was 1,217,000 and the estimated number in 1967 was 1,063,000.
Over the period in question the number at work in agriculture, forestry and fishing declined by 174,000 while in non-agricultural economic activity the number at work increased by 20,000.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that Deputy S. Lemass, when he was Taoiseach, stated that the Government would be judged by the number of people put into employment in this country, and will he not now agree that the Government have failed to give employment, to put our people to work at home in their own country?
The number of people at work in agriculture in every country has declined during the past number of years. Here, the numbers employed in other economic activities have actually increased.
Is it not true that there are 70,000 to 80,000 fewer people at work now than in 1951—that they are working now in Birmingham, Coventry and elsewhere abroad? Certainly the Government have failed to give employment.
I cannot stop the Deputy from preaching. If he says the same thing often enough, I am sure there are people who will believe him.
Is it not true?
I am calling the Deputy's next question, No. 5.
Can the Parliamentary Secretary give any reason for breaking promises to the people?
Talking about breaking promises, I am afraid the Deputy's Party broke more promises than anybody.