asked the Taoiseach the number of employees on "short-time" employment for each month in the first four months of 1979 and 1980.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Short-time Employment.
5.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to circulate in the Official Report a statement giving the number of persons on systematic short-time working who were registered at local employment offices at the end of the months of January, February, March and April in 1979 and 1980.
Following is the statement:
|
1979 |
1980 |
||
|
Date |
Number |
Date |
Number |
|
26 January |
1,857 |
25 January |
2,310 |
|
23 February |
1,383 |
29 February |
2,660 |
|
30 March |
1,600 |
28 March |
3,434 |
|
27 April |
1,436 |
25 April |
3,058 |
I have asked the Minister of State for eight figures. Surely it is not beyond the bounds of possibility that these figures be given to the House now in relation to the first four months of 1979 and 1980?
It is much better to give it in a systematic way, as we always do, by means of tabular statement.
The point is that supplementaries cannot be asked on them, as the Minister of State is aware. I was merely asking that these eight figures be given to the House now. They are in respect of two four month periods only.
I shall, to oblige the Deputy, but I think it would be better the other way.
It is ususal to accept the tabular statement. It is a matter for the Minister of State.
The details are: 25 January, 2,310; 29 February, 2,660; 28 March, 3,434; 25 April, 3,058.
Question No. 6.
I did not get the year to which the Minister of State referred. I asked for two years, 1979 and 1980.
1979: 26 January, 1,857; 23 February, 1,383; 30 March, 1,600; 27 April, 1,436. The corresponding figures for the year 1980 are: 25 January, 2,310; 29 February, 2,660; 28 March, 3,434; 25 April, 3,058. The other figure I gave was for 1975 when it was 9,000.
This is a statistical question. One supplementary, please, from Deputy O'Toole.
Arising out of the figures presented to us by the Minister of State, may I ask him if he is concerned at the increase in relation to the month of April when it was over 100 per cent? Is he concerned at this trend in the short-time working pattern and what does he propose to do to curtail this drastic trend?
Of course, we are concerned about the matter, as is every other European State in regard to the same matter at present.
I am asking about this State.
Naturally we are very concerned about it and we shall take all possible steps to correct the position.
This is a statistical question. Please, Deputies.
Can the Minister outline the steps he is taking to tackle this problem?
That would be a matter for the Minister of State. It is a statistical question. That is a matter for another Minister.
The Minister of State has said that he is taking steps to correct this trend. I am asking him what steps he is taking.
Surely that is a question proper to another Minister who will be taking the appropriate steps.
(Interruptions.)
Perhaps the Deputy would put down another question.
The Minister of State must know what steps are being taken.
Deputies, please. I have called Question No. 6.
That is the first time the Minister of State has gone for cover.