asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce the number of persons employed in the manufacture of footwear on 1st January, 1965, 1970 and 1971, and the number who, he anticipates, will be similarly employed on 1st January, 1975.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Footwear Employees.
44.
Official statistics of employment are not related to 1st January. The nearest available figures are those for mid-December of the preceding year.
The employment in the boot and shoe industry as compiled in connection with the census of industrial production was:
|
Mid-December, 1964 |
6,300 |
|
Mid-December, 1969 |
6,000 |
A figure for mid-December, 1970, is not yet available, but the figure for mid-September, 1970, was 5,700.
The level of employment in the industry in January, 1975, will depend on a number of factors including ability to adapt to changing fashion trends and new techniques and materials. Adaptation to any such changes and to free trade conditions will require a more aggressive approach by the industry in general to the development and expansion of exports.