asked the Taoiseach if he is satisfied that the present method of compiling unemployment figures enables him to give an accurate and up-to-date figure concerning the number of persons losing employment due to the present depression affecting the building industry.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Unemployment Figures.
5.
The trend in current unemployment levels for all activities is given by regular statements compiled in respect of the number of persons on the live register as maintained in the local offices of the Department of Social Welfare. I am satisfied that there is no other method which would monitor short term unemployment changes with the same coverage and frequency.
Weekly returns from the local offices cover the total live register subdivided by the principal administrative categories, e.g. unemployment benefit claims current, unemployment assistance applications current, and so on, with separate totals for men, boys, women and girls. The weekly statement is issued one week after the date to which it relates.
More detailed monthly returns from the local offices cover the total live register at mid-month classified according to a very detailed list of industrial groups in which building and construction work is distinguished. There is, of necessity, a longer delay in the compilation of these returns. The most recent monthly industrial analysis relates to mid-August. It is hoped to have the mid-September analysis available very shortly and to speed up the compilation for subsequent months.