asked the Minister for Finance if, in view of the present high number of persons unemployed and the probable worsening of the situation in the coming months with consequential massive financial demands on the Exchequer through social welfare payments, he will take immediate steps to activate and initiate outstanding public works, such as arterial drainage and similar schemes, to absorb some, at least, of those unemployed and thereby put taxpayers' moneys to productive purposes.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Unemployment Situation.
113.
I do not share the Deputy's pessimistic view on the unemployment situation. As stated in the recent white paper on the economy, Government policy is to give priority to the maintenance of employment and the preservation of living standards. Already I have announced an increase of 18 per cent in the provision for voted capital services in 1975 as compared with 1974-75. Expenditure on arterial drainage will be 28 per cent greater in 1975 compared with 1974-75. No scheme of public works on the lines the Deputy mentions is held up for lack of finance.
Is the Minister aware that it is small consolation to people who are becoming unemployed to hear him repeat that it is the Government's intention as a priority to maintain employment? Can he offer something more concrete in view of the rapidly rising unemployment, going up now at the rate of 1,500 and 2,000 per week? Is the Minister aware that something more is required than proclaiming week after week that it is the Government's intention to maintain employment when they are visibly failing to do it?
The present world recession is washing over Ireland in the same way as every other economy——
Go away and write another White Paper on it.
Will the Minister give an injection to his Parliamentary Secretary to get some arterial drainage done?
Twenty-eight per cent of an increase.