asked the Minister for Finance the number of people unemployed at each employment exchange in Longford-Westmeath in February 1980 and 1981; the reason for the increase, if any; and the action the Government intend to take to provide employment for the unemployed in Longford-Westmeath.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Longford — Westmeath Unemployment Figures.
11.
The numbers of people registered at each local office in Longford/Westmeath at end January 1981 and end January 1980 are as follows:
|
Local Office |
30 January 1981 |
25 January 1980 |
|
Athlone |
703 |
567 |
|
Castlepollard |
217 |
139 |
|
Granard |
335 |
273 |
|
Longford |
896 |
648 |
|
Mullingar |
764 |
541 |
|
Total |
2,915 |
2,168 |
The increase in numbers is due to the general effects of the current international recession, The rate of increase for Longford-Westmeath is somewhat less than the national average.
Every effort is being made to create employment in this area. The IDA Industrial Plan 1978-82 has a target of 2,600 new jobs for the Longford-Westmeath area. The Authority have provided 109,500 square feet of factory space in the area and a further 54,000 square feet is planned. They also hold almost 200 acres of land available for industrial development.
Would the Minister not agree that the Government have failed to honour their promises of 1977 in regard to providing work for the unemployed? Would he not agree also that that promise was to reduce unemployment by 80,000 — from 107,000 as it was then to 27,000? Is the figure for unemployment not at least 127,000 today thereby indicating that Fianna Fáil were out in their calculations by 100,000? What action, if any, is planned to provide work for those unfortunate people who were foolish enough to believe that Fianna Fáil could deliver on their promises and to vote for them? Many of these people are now out of work.
Deputy L'Estrange is being very selective.
That is not so. I am giving the figures as published in black and white in the manifesto.
The first point is that there are more people out of work now than was the case in 1977.
The point is that Fianna Fáil promised to reduce the numbers out of work.
The people opposite are not quoting the true figures.
The fact remains that the Government promised to reduce the numbers out of work.
I do not want a debate on the matter.
We are quoting from the manifesto.
Order.
Regarding the Deputy's remarks in relation to Longford-Westmeath, the IDA target for the area is 2,600 new jobs. In the years 1978 and 1979 a total of 71 projects with a job potential of nearly 1,000 people were approved. Indications are that the situation in 1980 was even better and AnCO expect to train 625 workers at a cost of £1.525 million in 1981.
But there are no jobs.
In the investment plan which apparently the Deputy forgot to mention, there is provision for approach roads to Athlone and for a new bridge over the Shannon. In addition, a further 150 staff from the Department of Education will be going to Athlone even if that does not suit Deputy L'Estrange.
They are welcome in Athlone or in any other part of Longford-Westmeath.
Work on the buildings required will provide a good deal of employment in the area.
If we are to understand now that the figures in the manifesto are totally wrong, how can we be expected to believe in what the Minister is promising? Is the Minister aware of the promise made by Deputy O'Donoghue to put to work all able-bodied unemployed even if that meant digging holes and employing people to fill them again? We have potholes in plenty in every county but we do not have the money to pay the men to fill those potholes.
This is a speech.
The unemployed cannot live on Fianna Fáil promises alone.
I am calling the next question.
Is it not a miracle that after four-and-a-half years of silence Deputy L'Estrange has recovered his voice?
I have always had my voice but Fianna Fáil have had the vice.
I am afraid that Deputy O'Donoghue is in one of the potholes.
Question No. 12 has been postponed.