asked the Taoiseach the number on the live register (a) on 27th June, 1969, and (b) on 19th June, 1970; the reasons for the increase; and what action the Government intend to take to provide employment for these people.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Unemployment Figures.
2.
The total number of persons registered on the live register at local employment offices was (a) on the 27th June, 1969—51,473 and (b) on the 26th June, 1970, the corresponding date this year, 67,845. The increase in unemployment was due primarily to the effect of the trade dispute in the cement industry and, following settlement of that dispute, opportunities for work should become increasingly available.
The Third Programme for Economic Expansion sets out the Government's plans to provide increased employment in the period up to 1972 in the context of the long-term aim to achieve full employment.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that there are 16,254 more people out of work today than there were this time 12 months? Further, is he aware that figures we got recently showed that there were almost 60,000 fewer at work now compared with 12 years ago? Will the Parliamentary Secretary not admit, therefore, that the Government's plan for providing employment for our people at home is a failure?
I do not accept that the Government's plans for providing employment for our people are a failure. The Deputy must agree, if he is fair-minded, that the figures for 1970 were caused by the cement dispute. The Deputy knows that the Third Programme for Economic Expansion provides for an increase of 2.5 per cent, or 31,000 people, in industrial employment by 1972.
Would the Parliamentary Secretary not admit that the cement strike accounts for no more than 3,000 to 4,000 on this list and does he agree then, that on that basis there are 64,000 people unemployed today despite the fact that eight years ago the Government stated that they should be judged on their record in regard to employment and unemployment, providing jobs for our own people? Using the Government's own yardstick——
We cannot have a debate on the question.
Using the Government's own yardstick, would the Parliamentary Secretary not agree that the Government's plans for providing jobs for the people are a complete failure?
I do not accept that at all. I can assure the Deputy that the Government, at the next general election, will be judged on their record.
(Interruptions.)
Question No. 3.