asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will state the reasons for the increase of 3,365 in the number of unemployed in the two weeks ended 19th November, 1955, as compared with an increase of 436 in the corresponding period in 1954.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Unemployment Figures.
Following the termination of Employment Period Orders, there are increases in the live register for some few weeks from the end of October in each year. This year the increase for the two weeks ended the 5th November was 8,638 as compared with 9,605 for the corresponding two weeks in 1954. For the four weeks ended the 19th November this year the increase was 12,003 as compared with 10,081 for the corresponding four weeks in 1954. The increases have occurred at some 50 local offices serving rural areas, and appear to be due to the earlier completion this year of agricultural and Bord na Móna work in the good weather conditions.
The Deputy will note, however, that for the four weeks mentioned the register was from 10,695 to 7,033 lower than last year.
Would the Minister say how many weeks after the termination of the employment period is the period I have mentioned?
I think I have given the Deputy a reply which indicates the pattern which the live register takes after the termination of the employment period.
How long after?
It varies. The information I have given the Deputy is that for the two weeks ended 5th November the increase was 8,638 people as compared with 9,605 for the corresponding two weeks of 1954. These are circumstances over which the Department has no control; it depends on the number of people who renew their registration promptly. There may be cases where people come back promptly and some delay in coming back maybe for good reasons and some come back quicker than others. The overriding fact—in which the Deputy will find consolation —is that the register is from 10,000 to 7,000 lower than last year.