Decline in agricultural employment
Agricultural employment fell from 181,000 in 1984 to 169,000 in 1985, a 6.6% decline. Noonan asked whether this reflected the Government’s lack of commitment; the Chair ruled that a policy matter, outside the statistical question.
(Limerick West) asked the Taoiseach if he will indicate in respect of a recent 12-month period, the percentage drop in the numbers of people engaged in agriculture in this country compared with the immediately preceding 12-month period.
Comment on this
Dún Laoghaire): The estimated number of persons at work in agriculture at mid-April 1983, 1984 and 1985 — the latest year for which estimates are available — are 189,000, 181,000 and 169,000 respectively. These figures represent declines of 4.2 per cent between 1983 and 1984 and 6.6 per cent between 1984 and 1985.
Comment on this
(Limerick West): Is the decline in those engaged in agriculture due to lack of commitment by this Government towards agriculture?
