asked the Taoiseach the number of persons unemployed in Ballyfermot, Dublin.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Ballyfermot (Dublin) Unemployed.
2.
The information requested by the Deputy is not available. The live register statistics are complied on a local employment office basis and thus the only additional information available for the Dublin region consists of the numbers on the register in each of the five local offices in the region.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that a recent survey carried out in Ballyfermot by a reputable organisation, the Ballyfermot Community Association, revealed that 23 per cent of young people who left school in 1969 after sixth class primary school were unemployed, that 24 per cent of their fathers were unemployed and that 20 per cent of their mothers had to go out to work? Further, is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that 40 per cent of the people the association expected to interview had left the area? Is it not true to say that the Government have no indication of the terrible tragedy being inflicted——
The Deputy is entering the area of policy. Policy is a matter for another Minister.
Will the Parliamentary Secretary state what remedial measures will be taken now that some facts are being revealed——
Order. Matters of policy are for another Minister.
This is a statistical matter which the Government have neglected blatantly——
It is a statistical question.
——by not holding a census.
The only way the question could be answered in a way that would suit Deputy Dowling would be to inquire from every applicant if he belonged to a region that interested the Deputy. Every other Dublin Deputy would have a similar question.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that the national average of unemployment is 12 per cent but among school leavers in Ballyfermot it is 23 per cent? I want to know what will be done about this matter. Will these people be condemned to the dole queues for the rest of their lives? What action will the Government take on behalf of these young people? They have a right to work.
The Deputy is again entering into the area of policy.
We want an indication from the Government regarding the action they propose taking now that several facts have been established.
The Deputy will have to put down a question to the appropriate Minister.
In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply I wish to raise the matter on the Adjournment.
The Chair will communicate with the Deputy in relation to that matter.