asked the Taoiseach if he has received any deputation on the unemployment situation over the past two months; and, if so, the number of deputations received and the areas represented.
Ceisteanna—Questions Oral Answers. - Unemployment Situation.
1.
There have been no meetings with formal deputations on the matter during the period mentioned in the question. I have, however, received representations on the subject, and there have been informal discussions with various interests involved. Other members of the Government have also had discussions in relation to aspects with which they are concerned.
In view of the mounting figures of unemployment and the possibility that, with a deterioration in the Anglo-Irish position from the point of view of trade, our figure of unemployed may reach the 100,000 mark, does the Taoiseach think it advisable to have a general meeting with the unions as soon as possible on the entire unemployment situation to see if any short term improvement can be effected?
Yes, I had such a meeting in prospect, and because the Congress were busily engaged up to the present time in connection with a meeting they are holding today, they asked me to leave it until after today to have a meeting on this subject.
Does the Taoiseach foresee the possibility that, if there is a further deterioration in Anglo-Irish relations, shortly there will be an unemployment figure of 100,000?
I would not like to predict that the unemployment figure will reach 100,000. I certainly hope it will not, but nobody can deny that, as a result of the present circumstances there is an economic situation generally which could effect the unemployment position. We are taking full account of that situation.
Is the Taoiseach aware that the figure for manufacturing industry published this morning showed that for the latest quarter for which figures are available there is a drop of 3,500 in employment by comparison with the same period last year? Would he agree, therefore, that there is a necessity to stimulate economic growth so that this decline in employment which is causing by no means all but certainly part of the rise in unemployment would be dealt with? Is the Taoiseach satisfied that measures taken to date to stimulate economic growth have been sufficient for this purpose?
Some of the measures taken, the most recent ones particularly, have not yet had their effect in stimulating employment, but I can assure the Deputy that the Government are keeping in touch with the situation and will take action wherever possible and in whatever manner possible.
Would the Taoiseach not agree that the fact that the measures taken have not yet taken effect, which shows that the measures were taken too late, is another reason for acting sooner rather than later?
No, I do not agree. The unemployment figures, as indicated yesterday by the Minister for Finance, are declining as of now.
Will the Taoiseach not agree that a seasonal decline does not prove anything about the underlying trend?
I am not going to deny the seasonality of the situation. That applies in every figure we get.