Vol. 249 No. 11
asked the Taoiseach the total number of persons in receipt of unemployment benefit or assistance or any other form of payments at local employment offices on 26th March, 1970 and 30th October, 1970; and what proposals the Government have to deal with the increased number of unemployed.
3.
asked the Taoiseach the number of unemployed at the latest available date; the number for 1969; the reason for the increase; and what proposals the Government have to deal with the increased number of unemployed.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 2 and 3 together.
The total number of persons paid unemployment benefit or unemployment assistance at local employment offices and post offices during the weeks ended the 26th March and the 30th October, 1970, were 77,529 and 68,692 respectively. The total number of persons registered on the live register at local employment offices on the 7th November, 1969, and the 6th November, 1970, were 55,559 and 60,945 respectively.
The main reason for the rise in the number on the register is the continuing influence of the cement strike earlier in the year on activity and employment in building and ancillary trades. The bank strike may also have had some indirect effects on employment.
A decline in the figures for net emigration as measured by the net outward passenger movement by sea and air has also tended to push the live register numbers upwards as have certain structural factors related to improved social welfare payments.
In the Government's view the solution of the problems of unemployment and emigration is to be found primarily in the creation of new opportunities for employment in industry. Employment in industry has been rising rapidly in the past two years and it is Government policy to continue to press ahead with the encouragement of new industries with a view to reducing unemployment and emigration to more acceptable levels.
Is the Taoiseach aware that in reply to Question No. 3 some time ago in this House in Vol. 245, No. 7, column 1204 of the Official Report, dealing with the number of people who were employed in this country, the figures given showed that in the last 13 years there were 56,000 fewer people employed in this country? Further, does the Taoiseach not agree that it is the responsibility of the Government to provide employment? At present with the serious increase in unemployment does he not agree that the Government are failing in their responsibility to provide jobs and employment for the people in this country?
I think the Deputy's figures refer to total employment, which would include agricultural employment.
They do.
I do not deny that there has been a decline in agricultural employment in this country which is a phenomenon not peculiar to this country but is experienced all over the world and more particularly in Europe. In fact, the numbers engaged in industrial employment have been increasing very steadily over the past few years. There was an increase of over 11,000 last year and the increase in the first six months of this year measures up well to that increase so that the Government's policy for increased employment through industry is successful.
Question No. 4.
Would the Taoiseach not agree that the figures which have been supplied by the Department of Labour, statistics on unemployment, do not bear out his statement that the cement strike is still causing portion of the unemployment because the number of people unemployed in the building trade is very small at the present time? Therefore, they could not have any bearing on the number which the Taoiseach says is being caused as a result of the cement strike.
I understand there is a residual effect on the unemployment figures from the cement strike.
A couple of dozen.
It is quite significant. I cannot measure it.
Arising out of the Taoiseach's reply that the Government want to attract new industry, would he direct that as far as possible new industry would go to parts of the country where there is a serious unemployment crisis? I mention particularly Athlone where over 300 workers have now been redundant for 18 months. I would ask the Taoiseach to suggest to his colleague in Industry and Commerce that in view of the special circumstances in Athlone it might be declared a designated area for the purposes of extra grants?
The Government have not got power specifically to direct prospective industrialists to a particular area but by our policy we influence industrialists to go to such areas in the west where there is unemployment. The IDA are well aware of the Government's concern in this respect.
Question No. 4.
In view of the Government's desire to bring industry to areas where it is needed, has any decision been taken on the Buchanan Report or is any decision on it likely in the near future?
The import of the Buchanan Report is being examined by all available talent on a regional basis. It will have tremendous social as well as economic effects and for that reason we saw fit to ensure that we get all available knowledge from responsible sources in the regions.
Could I ask the Taoiseach——
I am calling Question No. 4. I have allowed four supplementary questions on this question and I am not allowing any more. I am calling Question No. 4.
I wish to give notice that I intend to raise the subject matter of this question on the Adjournment.
The Chair will communicate with the Deputy.
