andDr. O'Connell asked the Taoiseach if he will make a statement on the present high unemployment figure; and what measures the Government propose to take in the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Unemployment Figure.
3.
The latest statistics of registered unemployed persons— those for the 14th November, 1969— show that the total is less than that for the corresponding period last year, and the same trend has applied to the greater part of the year 1969 other than a period in February and March which was affected by the maintenance workers' strike. The Third Programme for Economic and Social Development sets out the Government's plans to provide increased employment in the period to 1972.
Would the Taoiseach be a little more explicit and tell us exactly the difference between unemployment on 14th November, 1969, and unemployment on 14th November, 1968? Is it about 100?
Compared with 1968, there has been an overall increase of about 11,500—5,000 females and 6,500 males.
Deputies
Unemployment?
Surely the Taoiseach is aware of the drop in agricultural employment?
The latest figures I have are for 14th November. There is a reduction of something less than 200 overall.
Yes.
That is affected, too, by entitlement to longer unemployment benefit.
That does not make any difference because if they were not on unemployment benefit they would be on unemployment assistance.
They might not.
It makes no difference. That does not affect it at all.
Is the Taoiseach satisfied with the level of unemployment?
Not at all—and I never shall be, until unemployment is eliminated.