Unemployment in manufacturing
The Minister reported that manufacturing registrants rose from 32,961 in 1981 to 52,989 in January–August 1983, increasing from 12.3% to 19.5% of the estimated manufacturing labour force. Brennan sought action on the increase; the Chair ruled the request out of order and the Minister said it was not his Department’s responsibility.
asked the Taoiseach the average number, and the percentage unemployed in manufacturing industry in each of the last three years.
Comment on this
(Dún Laoghaire): According to the monthly industrial analysis of the live register, the average number of registrants classified to manufacturing industry was 32,961 in 1981, 41,065 in 1982 and 52,989 in January-August 1983, the latest period for which the information is available. These represent 12.3 per cent, 15.1 per cent and 19.5 per cent respectively of the estimated manufacturing labour force at mid-April in each of these years.
Comment on this
Would the Minister agree that these figures amount to a haemorrhage in regard to the manufacturing industry? Unemployment in this sector seems to have increased by 10,000 during the past 12 months. This is a crucial area. Will the Minister of State state clearly what measures the Government intend to take?
Comment on this
(Dún Laoghaire): I accept that the Deputy has a point but the question is not appropriate to my Department.