asked the Minister for Lands if he will state the factors on which he based his statement at a Fianna Fáil convention in Cavan on 16th February, 1958, that there was a danger of more unemployment, having regard to the plan announced for the provision of 100,000 new jobs.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Danger of Unemployment.
My speech simply emphasised statements repeatedly made by the Minister for Finance in regard to the present financial and economic position. I pointed out that additional expenditure involving increased taxation might in the long run increase rather than decrease unemployment.
Is it not a fact that the Minister told the convention in Cavan that there was a danger of more unemployment? Is that not a fact?
It is not a fact at all.
May I take it that the Minister was incorrectly reported in the newspapers?
The Minister made it perfectly clear that under special circumstances there might be more unemployment. It was a simple statement and the same statement has been made by the Minister for Education and the Minister for Finance. They were warnings of a kind that are accepted by everybody.
May I take it then that the Minister for Lands was incorrectly reported because he was reported as saying there was a danger of unemployment?
Some of the newspapers reported my speech without adding "unless trade expands". Other newspapers reported it and included the reference that everything depended on trade expansion.
Did the Minister in the course of his speech make any reference to the £100,000 scheme that he spoke about at Castledaly and Kilbeggan, and in which he said there would be neither unemployment nor emigration if Fianna Fáil were returned to office?
I never made such a statement.
The Minister made that statement at Horseleap.
The Deputy is stating deliberate untruths.
On a point of order, the Minister used the words "deliberate untruths". Is that parliamentary language?
The Chair did not hear the expression with all the interruptions.
We will not believe their promises in the next election.
I was present at Horseleap when the Minister said that there would be neither emigration nor unemployment if Fianna Fáil were returned.
Nobody believes it.
I heard the Minister make that statement.
Might I remind Deputies that there are 119 questions on the Order Paper?
"Unemployment can be cured."