asked the Taoiseach if he is aware that an estimated 58,100 persons reached schoolleaving ages in 1959, while only 28,200 young persons entered insurable employment; whether the remaining 30,000 have emigrated or have been unable to find employment; and if he will indicate the Government's plans for the provision of employment for young persons.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Employment of Young Persons.
1.
The figure of 58,100 mentioned in the Deputy's Question is an estimate of the number of children who will have reached the age of 14 years in 1959. It will be obvious, however, that not all those who attain that age in 1959 thereupon cease their schooling. Taking account of those leaving school at ages later than 14 years the total number of young persons leaving school in 1959 is estimated to be 55,000.
Taking the period from 6th January, 1958, to 3rd January, 1959, in the case of males, and the period from 7th July, 1958, to 4th July, 1959, in the case of females, the estimated total number of insurance cards issued to persons aged 16 and 17 years was 28,200.
It would not be reasonable to deduct the figure of 28,200 from the figure of 55,000 for the purpose of drawing conclusions. Apart from other considerations, these figures relate to different periods and the figure for the number of insurance cards issued was limited, as I have said, to persons aged 16 and 17 years.
There is, already, evidence that the Government's Programme for Economic Expansion is promoting increased employment opportunities generally, As the implementation of the Programme proceeds, it will, I hope, progressively reduce the difficulties of placing young persons in employment.