asked the Taoiseach the number on the live register of unemployment in Waterford City as at 1st September 1971 and 16th March 1972.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Waterford City Unemployment.
1.
Contrary to the implication in the Deputy's question, the average weekly number unemployed in March as measured by the live register was 1,360 less than the average weekly figure in February. Although the number unemployed on 30th March was approximately 460 less than on 3rd March, it is true there has been no decrease in numbers on the live register between 1st January and 30th March. This is in accordance with the normal seasonal trend. The number unemployed this year showed an increase between early January and early February followed by a general decline between then and 30th March.
The measures taken to stimulate the economy in October and the further action taken in January last had specific regard to the problem of unemployment and the indications are that they have helped to improve the underlying trend.
The Government regard the level of unemployment as a matter of vital concern and are keeping the situation under continuous review.
Is the Minister aware that the question I asked is a simple straightforward one? I asked the number of unemployed at 1st September, 1971, and 16th March, 1972. The Minister's reply has been most devious——
I am sorry, I did not complete the reply. The number of persons residing in Waterford county borough on the live register was 675 on 27th August, 1971, and 987 on 30th March, 1972.
Can the Minister state why there has been this increase in unemployment in Waterford city and what steps the Government intend to take to alleviate the situation?
I have already answered that, namely, that the Government, by the additional money provided for capital in October and by the estimates for capital expenditure this year which show a great increase on the previous year, together with every action that can be taken by the Minister for Industry and Commerce and his statutory bodies hope to deal with the increase in unemployment as effectively as possible.
I am aware of the Promised Land which the country is still awaiting but of which there is no sign. Promises are no good to the unemployed.
Is the Minister aware that at the by-election in 1968 at which Deputy Collins was elected, the Taoiseach promised in my hearing that 1,000 new jobs would be provided for Waterford city? Where are those jobs now?
Many new jobs have been provided in Waterford city in the past ten years.
Why are the Government trying to fool the people? It is all Fianna Fáil pie-in-the-sky.
The Government should stop trying to deceive the people.