asked the Taoiseach whether the Government have given consideration to the serious demographic position revealed by the recent census, and what immediate steps it is proposed to take to arrest the trends disclosed therein.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Census Returns.
It is hardly necessary to say that the volume of net emigration in the period 1951 to 1956, as indicated in the Preliminary Report of the Census of Population, 1956, is a matter of grave concern to the Government, as it is to Dáil Éireann and to the country as a whole.
The problem of emigration is a long-term one, to solve which only long-term remedies can be effective. As was stated in the Majority Report of the Commission on Emigration and other Population Problems (paragraph 470),
"Almost all the influences which determine population growth are matters which properly depend upon personal decisions, and with regard to them, the role of the Government should be to encourage and, where necessary, to initiate economic and social activities which produce conditions favourable to increased population, leaving people free to take their decisions in the light of these conditions."
It has been, and will continue to be, the Government's policy to "produce conditions favourable to increased population". We will vigorously press forward the implementation of our policy of promoting an expanding economy, higher levels of agricultural and industrial production—with an increasing surplus available for disposal at competitive prices abroad— and better living conditions at home. It is by these methods that we can secure the means whereby a growing population can be maintained in comfort and in economic security.
As was stated by the Minister for Finance in this House on the 13th March, 1956 (columns 326-7):—
"We must concentrate on the efficient production of goods. That has been, is and will be, the primary aim and object of this Government, for, without it, there cannot be any hope of making our country prosperous, of increasing employment or of securing a permanent increase in the standard of living of all our people."
Is it not a fact that statements similar to that outlined by the Taoiseach have been made to this House from the year 1948 onwards and that, in spite of that, the rate of net emigration has stepped up considerably? Therefore, since no measures taken by the Government have even helped to stem emigration, is it not reasonable to suggest to the Taoiseach that a new dynamic programme be put into operation?
I am sure the Deputy will agree with me that it is easy to say that a new dynamic programme should be put into operation; it is another matter to find such a programme and put it into operation. It will be generally agreed, I think, that the only real, permanent solution for the problem of emigration is a greatly accelerated increase in output, both agricultural and industrial. That must be the primary aim of all measures taken; otherwise, they are just futile and picking at the problem. In the view of myself and my colleagues, the real aim of all measures taken must be directed towards increasing production. Increased production can give an increased standard of living and it is the standard of living in places abroad that is attracting our people. Until we get a standard of living comparable with that obtainable abroad, we will not be able to keep our people at home. Increased economic activity founded on increased savings, directed towards increased investment in the country and producing increased productivity and an increase in goods will enable increased incomes and an increased standard of living to be obtained for our people.
Is it not a fact that the greatest rate of emigration is from the West of Ireland and would the Taoiseach say where, in recent years, Government policy has shown any proof or any sign that it has a bearing on the solution of the problem of emigration in the western areas?
Further arising out of the Taoiseach's reply, would the Taoiseach say if the visit paid by the Tánaiste to the U.S.A. was also designed to introduce the economic measures of which he spoke and to get increased production and prosperity in this country?
Answering the last Deputy's supplementary question first, I think the aim of the Tánaiste in his visit to America was to secure the necessary capital for investment in this country in order to increase production which is so essential if we are to deal with emigration. That is in line with the general policy on increased production.
With regard to Deputy McQuillan's supplementary question on the measures taken by the Government in the West, I think both the last Government and the present Government have been endeavouring as far as possible to concentrate on the problems of the West, with a view to keeping the people there. Again, it is a question of the standard of living of our people, some of whom are able to earn a fairly substantial wage in the West but who will go away because of a personal desire that people have to improve their standards. But until we are able to get an increased standard of living by increased agricultural production and increased economic activity in the West we shall never be able to do anything more than scratch the problem.
In view of the fact that both the present Government and previous Governments have so far, despite their efforts, failed to deal successfully with the problem of increased production and increased employment, would the Taoiseach consider the advisability of formulating an agreed long-term economic development programme in order to deal with this question?
The Deputy will, I am sure, appreciate the fact that we would be perfectly willing to consider any such suggestion. I think he has already made that suggestion and I think he will admit we have already agreed to consider it.
Mr. Lemass
Even by reviving some of the projects which Deputy MacBride helped to sabotage in 1948.
That is quite unfounded.
It is certainly not very helpful.
Mr. Lemass
It will clear the humbug out of the way first.
Deputy Lemass had to do a bit of spring-cleaning in order to clear his humbug away.