asked the Taoiseach what immediate measures the Government proposes to put into operation in order to ease the existing heavy unemployment in Dublin.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Unemployment in Dublin.
Since coming into office, the Government have been giving the most anxious consideration to the grave problem of unemployment—and that, not in Dublin merely, but in the State as a whole. The only schemes of real advantage, of course, are those which would develop the economy, increase the opportunities of continuous employment or create assets of lasting value.
In the consideration of the Budget, which is to be introduced next week, the Government have kept the unemployment situation constantly in mind. The difficulties of the task are, however, immense—increased by the present shortage of capital and the fact that certain constructional works which gave large-scale employment in the past have been completed or are quickly approaching completion. I can only assure the Deputy that the search for what can effectively be done is being earnestly pursued.
We hope that the general stimulus given by such measures as the change in regard to the Special Import Levies will lessen the difficulties of the task.
The seasonal reduction in the unemployment figures is, this year, relatively rapid and the general trend is not unhopeful.
In view of the fact that there is still widespread unemployment in the building industry, would the Taoiseach consider taking more drastic measures to bring about a revival of house building? In Dublin City, we have no concert hall, no proper Houses of Parliament and we need more modern municipal buildings. The country needs these things very badly and they would give much-needed employment to building workers. I speak, Sir, with a sense of urgency which springs from looking at unfortunate men trying to survive in present conditions.
I sympathise with the Deputy in his approach, but there is the difficulty that, with the shortage of capital at the present moment, it would be extremely difficult to engage in work such as the Deputy has suggested. The capital that is there has, in the main, to be directed towards productive purposes and I am afraid that the projects indicated, while they would undoubtedly help to give employment, would do so at very great cost and would not be immediately productive.
I am sure every Deputy in the House realises that we are really in an emergency situation from an economic point of view and that relief measures that would be possible at other times are at the present time simply not possible.
Is the Taoiseach aware that Dublin citizens have been laid off recently in the port by the Port and Docks authority, apparently as a result of financial difficulties? Will the Taoiseach indicate that this matter will receive early attention, particularly in view of the fact that there are many worthwhile schemes for development of the port and docks which can be of benefit to the city and the country, if development schemes on hands, which need mainly financial assistance, were proceeded with?
I am aware there is one project coming to an end and that there is another under active consideration. Anything that can be done to provide necessary finances— which is, of course, the root of the whole trouble—for projects of that sort, will be done. Where works were likely to be carried out at a later date, we are trying to advance the carrying-out of these works in order to provide necessary employment. I have not the precise details to give Deputies, but I know that such a scheme exists with regard to the Port and Docks Board, and I can only assure the House that we regard this of fundamental importance, but unfortunately "let it be done" is not sufficient. If we had the power of getting things done by fiat it would be done as, indeed, I am sure, it would have been done by others previously.
You told the people during the election, "Let's get cracking." Where is the £100,000,000 from the Tánaiste?
I said nothing about it during the election.