asked the Taoiseach if he will state in respect of the months June, July, August, September and October of this year the number of travel permits issued to persons seeking employment abroad.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Passport and Travel Documents.
Mr. O'Higgins
asked the Taoiseach if he will state the number of passports and travel documents or identity cards issued to persons seeking employment abroad and to persons intending to reside abroad during the four months July to October, 1951, inclusive.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle I propose to take Questions Nos. 2 and 4 together.
The numbers of travel identity cards and passports granted to persons seeking employment abroad and to persons intending to reside abroad during the periods in question were as follows: June, 1,867; July, 1,822; August, 2,705; September, 2,107; October, 1,867. It is not possible to give separate totals in respect of those seeking employment and those going to permanent residence.
Mr. O'Higgins
Can the Parliamentary Secretary say, in view of these figures, whether any progress at all has been made in dealing with the problem of emigration referred to by the Taoiseach?
That is a separate question.
Can the Parliamentary Secretary say if the figures which he has given include travel permits issued to people who went over to Britain for short periods for holidays?
The totals which I was asked for were in respect of those seeking employment abroad and those going to take up permanent residence abroad. The question of holidays does not arise.
Am I to take it that the figures do not include those people who went across for holidays?
The figures refer to the total number of applicants for travel identity cards and passports for the purpose of seeking employment abroad or to take up residence abroad.
My point is that some travel permits are issued to people who say they are going abroad for a short holiday but who stay away and take up employment.