andMr. Fox asked the Taoiseach whether any invitation had been received from the EEC to take part in the labour force survey; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
8.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Labour Force Survey.
7.
asked the Taoiseach if he will give details of the proposed labour force survey to be carried out early next year by EEC member States; and the extent to which this country will participate in such a survey.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 7 and 8 together.
The programme of social statistics for the period 1972-75 adopted by the Council of the European Communities includes European Communities labour force surveys to be held in 1973 and 1975. These are in continuation of similar surveys held in 1971 and earlier years in which the individual member countries have gained considerable experience in conducting the necessary large scale inquiries which consist of carrying out field interviews of members of a large random sample of households.
The 28 items to be covered by the 1973 survey include age: sex; marital condition; nationality; usual occupation; principal occupation during reference week and, in respect of the principal occupation, the employment status—that is employer, employees, et cetera—branch of economic activity in which engaged, number of hours worked in reference week and reasons if this number was below 40 hours; similar details in respect of secondary occupation; branch of economic activity, occupation and country of residence one year prior to date of inquiry. For persons seeking employment the questions include:—type of employment sought; length of period seeking employment; former employment status; former branch of economic activity; method of seeking employment.
It is likely that this country will participate fully in the 1975 survey. However, in view of the substantial amount of research in field procedures required before a large scale national survey of this nature can be instituted in Ireland, it has not been considered feasible to take part in the 1973 survey.
Could the Parliamentary Secretary say what research is at present taking place in Ireland in relation to the field surveys referred to in the latter part of his reply?
The type of survey that would be envisaged overall from 1973 to 1975 would involve calling on between 30,000 and 50,000 houses. The up-to-date information in relation to the former part of the Deputy's question I have not got in front of me but I can get the information for him if he wishes.
Could the Parliamentary Secretary tell me if the work in question will be carried out by the Central Statistics Office and, if so, if an increase in staff is at present being provided for?
As I indicated, Ireland will not take part fully in such a survey until 1975, and of course an increase in staff will be required.
Has any estimate been made?
No estimate has been made.