asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will state the total amount paid in (a) unemployment assistance (b) unemployment benefit and (c) redundancy payments to the unemployed, in the quarter year ended 31st March, 1975.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Social Welfare Expenditure.
20.
It is not possible at this stage to give final figures of expenditure in the quarter ended 31st March, 1975, on the services referred to in the Deputy's question. It is estimated, however, that expenditure in that period was approximately £7,470,000 on unemployment assistance, £8,230,000 on unemployment benefit, including pay-related benefit, and £1,414,000 on redundancy payments.
Was the unemployment figure about £17 million?
Yes, approximately £17 million.
In view of the large amount which had to be paid out as a result of the rising number unemployed in that period, would the Parliamentary Secretary comment on the absence of any special employment schemes by the Government to absorb this unusually high figure?
The Deputy is raising new matter.