asked the Taoiseach if he will state in respect of the province of Connacht (a) the population in 1954, (b) the population at the latest date for which figures are available, (c) the number of people who have left the province since 1957, (d) the number of jobs created in industry since 1957 and (e) what action the Government intend to take to provide work for people there.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Population of Connacht.
2.
Population figures are available only for years in which censuses of population were held. The population of Connacht in 1956 was 446,221 and, in 1966, it was 401,950. It is estimated that the net emigration between 1956 and 1966 was about 67,000, which was offset by a natural increase of population of about 23,000. The number of jobs created in industry since 1957 is estimated at 6,000.
The Government's policy for rural development, as set out in the Third Programme for Economic and Social Development, is based on more intensive farming in economic units and the development of non-farm sources of employment by industry, tourism, forestry and fishing. To assist the Central Development Committee and the county development teams in co-ordinating this work, the special regional development fund is being administered in a flexible manner in providing assistance for worthwhile economic projects which cannot be assisted under existing schemes.
Commitments to date include approximately £500,000 relating to the five Connacht counties. Help has been provided for small farmer and handcraft co-operatives, local airports, miscellaneous tourist projects, small fishing harbours, et cetera. In addition, assistance has been given to firms which were in danger of closing down but which had a reasonable prospect of survival if given immediate aid. The fund is used in circumstances of distress or opportunity and is proving to be an effective instrument in promoting and maintaining the economic well-being of the west. With its aid, a significant amount of employment and income has been guaranteed.
The Industrial Development Authority's programme of promoting regional industrial development involved the setting-up this year of regional offices in Galway and Sligo to promote industrial development in the Galway/Mayo and Sligo/Leitrim regions, respectively, and in Athlone to cater for the midlands district which includes Roscommon. The authority, as part of its interim advance factory programme, proposes to construct a minimum of nine factories in Connacht. In this connection, there is a differential—60 per cent as against 45 per cent of fixed assets—in the industrial grants scheme of the IDA in favour of the designated areas, which include the province of Connacht.
In addition to the general campaign for industrial development, the county development teams, working with local groups, have commenced a promotional campaign to attract projects suitable for location in the smaller western towns. It has also been decided to provide in each western county a limited number of prefabricated buildings for small local industries in their early stages. These buildings will enable either staff training or the operation itself to commence immediately.
Is it not true, despite all the Taoiseach has told us, despite all the Government's White Papers, plans and promises, that the west is dying and that over 100,000 have left it in the past 25 years? Could the Taoiseach now tell us what happened the famous plan promised by the Minister for Lands last January 12 months, which got such publicity in this House, on the radio et cetera, regarding the provision of employment and part time work for farmers on tourism, forestry and so forth? What happened all those plans? Will the Taoiseach not admit that there is less money provided in the Forestry Vote this year to give employment to people in the west?
The plans referred to by the Minister for Lands are reflected in all the activities here that I read out. I think what is more important is that we have encouraged people of the west to have confidence in themselves. We have encouraged co-operation with the State agencies. That co-operation is gladly being given at the present time.
In the light of the figures given to the House by the Taoiseach, is it not a fact that if this trend continues Connacht is facing a situation in which it will be just wiped off the map? Down through the years we have been given this type of assurance and promise across the floor of the House and the decline in the population of Connacht still continues. Does the Taoiseach not think it is absolutely necessary at this time to take special action to prevent this happening?
What I have read out here are not promises but activities in being.
Further arising out of the Taoiseach's reply——
We cannot discuss this question all afternoon. We have a big number of questions.
Those are not activities but abject failures. Will the Taoiseach not admit that? Recently even the dole was taken from them. In the past it was to hell or to Connacht; now it is to England.
I am calling Question No. 3.
Is the Taoiseach aware that the figures show that the growth of income and output in those areas is lower than in the rest of the country, that it is falling further behind, which is in marked contrast to what is being achieved in other nearby countries? Does this not clearly demonstrate the failure of Government policy?
I cannot dispute these figures since the Deputy did not give me notice. Nevertheless, I want to say to the House again that what I have indicated here are in the main new activities and they are showing results and what is more—I would like to get this across to the Deputy and to Deputy O'Hara—there is no point in telling the people of the west they are finished. That kind of philosophy will finish them; as long as we give them hope and confidence and give them reasonable co-operation that is a far better approach than telling them they are finished.
They will not get hope and confidence from you.
I am calling Question No. 3. We cannot argue this all afternoon. This is turning into a debate.
Fianna Fáil promises are no good.
Will the Taoiseach agree they cannot have hope and confidence when there is nothing there for them?
I am calling Question No. 3. We cannot discuss this matter any further.