asked the Taoiseach the total number of registered unemployed in Athlone, County Westmeath on 30th June, 1971, and 30th June, 1972.
9.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Registered Unemployed.
8.
asked the Taoiseach the total number of registered unemployed in Granard, County Longford on 30th June, 1971 and 30th June, 1972.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle I propose to take Questions Nos. 8 and 9 together. The number of persons on the live register at the Athlone local employment office was 454 on 2nd July, 1971, and 454 on 30th June, 1972. The number at the Granard office was 230 on 2nd July, 1971, and 289 on 30th June, 1972.
Would the Parliamentary Secretary agree that it is an amazing coincidence that the number in Athlone on each date was exactly the same? Is there any apparent explanation for that?
I would imagine it was a coincidence.
There has been a substantial increase in Granard. Has the Parliamentary Secretary anything in his brief to indicate any alleviation of the Granard position?
Whereas it is a serious situation if anybody is unemployed, the increase in Granard is not all that great over last year having regard to the circumstances of the area.
What circumstances?
10.
asked the Taoiseach the average number of persons as of the first 26 weeks of 1972 registered as unemployed who were (a) farmers, (b) farmers' relatives assisting and (c) aged between 65 and 70; and the average number on unemployment benefit.
The average numbers on the live register in the categories specified in the period January to June, 1972, inclusive were:
|
(a)Farmers, under 65 years |
2,250 |
|
(b)Farmers' relatives assisting under 65 years |
8,664 |
|
(c)Persons aged between 65 and 70 |
5,055 |
|
(d)Persons with unemployment benefit claims current |
44,288 |