asked the Minister for Social Welfare the amount of money paid out through the Achill Sound employment exchange for the years 1965, 1966, 1967 and 1968 for unemployment assistance and benefit.

The amount of money paid through the Achill Sound employment exchange for unemployment assistance and benefit in the financial years corresponding to the four years in question was 1965-66, £50,235; 1966-67, £56,838; 1967-68, £68,484; 1968-69, £94,000 (estimated).

So that unemployment is on the increase?

No, the rates are higher.

The claimants are more numerous.

Order. Question No. 66.