asked the Taoiseach if he will state the total number of registered unemployed in Ballina, County Mayo for the last week for which figures are available.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Registered Unemployed.
11.
The number on the Live Register at the Ballina local office on the 10th December, 1965, was 1,354.
Out of a population of about 4,000? That does not appear to tally.
The reply to the question asked about a Galway office gave information that applied to a large portion of the County Galway. I assume the same applies in the case of the Ballina office. If the Deputy wants the comparative figures, they are: 1963, 1,062; 1964, 1,109; 1965, 1,354.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that this figure would be five times as great were it not for the fact that people have cleared out to England, America and elsewhere?
I think the Minister for Transport and Power dealt with that aspect.
I do not think so.
If it is a fact that it includes an area around the town of Ballina, is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that this is the best land in the County of Mayo and that, therefore, the situation appears to be very drastic indeed?
That is the first time I heard of good land around Ballina.
That is what the Fianna Fáil Party think of the west— there is no good land—let it die— throw it away—abandon it.
I am talking about Belmullet.
The Parliamentary Secretary is talking about Ballina. There is very good land around Belmullet.
Belmullet people probably register in the Ballina office.
They do not. There is a separate office.
I am delighted to hear it.
More unemployed— he is delighted to hear it.
Question No. 12 postponed.