asked the Taoiseach whether he is aware of the serious increase in the number of unemployed in Dublin during the past two years and the consequent sufferings inflicted on the families of unemployed workers; and, if so, if he will make a statement as to what positive steps the Government propose to take to deal with the grave unemployment situation in Dublin.

I would refer the Deputy to my reply to a similar question in this House on the 21st of last month.

All I think I need add to that reply is that, since then, the number of persons on the live register of unemployed at the Dublin employment exchanges has shown a progressive downward tendency in each of the past three weeks.

Is the Taoiseach aware that over the past two years there has been a very considerable increase in the number of persons on the live register of unemployed in Dublin? At its peak a 50 per cent. increase was reached. While there has been some falling off in recent weeks, the increase is still very significant, particularly amongst the building trade workers and those in factory employment. Surely the Government has something in mind. They ought to provide work through the medium of the local authorities or take generalsteps that will help to relieve unemployment. The position is definitely bad in Dublin and the normal falling off in the figures which takes place at this time of the year is not going to relieve that situation.

The Minister for Local Government and the Dublin Corporation have been taking measures and making provision so that greater employment will be given. That was indicated in the reply on the last occasion.

Will the Taoiseach indicate what steps are being taken?

I have indicated in my previous reply the steps that have been taken and are being taken, the results of which will very soon show themselves.

When.

Sooner than yours anyhow.

While I have no doubt that the Dublin Corporation and the Minister for Local Government are considering the matter, it is well known that there are many schemes that could be put in hands very quickly in regard to corporation and other forms of employment. The situation is so serious that it requires more than normal methods to deal with it. I feel that every effort should be made by the Government to relieve the situation by putting these schemes in hands immediately.

The reply given on the previous occasion indicated that money from the Exchequer was being provided to a far greater extent than last year, just for that purpose.