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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 14 Dec 1976

Vol. 295 No. 4

Written Answers. - Unemployment Figures.

45.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare the number of persons unemployed on 31st March, 1976, 30th June, 1976, 30th September, 1976 and 30th November, 1976; and the cost to the Exchequer arising from this unemployment.

Information as to the numbers of persons registered on the live register as unemployed on the dates mentioned by the Deputy is not available as the register is compiled only on Friday each week. The numbers registered as unemployed—excluding smallholders, who are not included in the live register—in the weeks in which these dates occurred are as follows:

Friday 2nd April, 1976

115,177

Friday 2nd July, 1976

110,172

Friday 1st October, 1976

108,188

Friday 3rd December, 1976

111,292

The information sought by the Deputy, in so far as the cost to the Exchequer of unemployment benefit is concerned, is not available. This benefit, like the other social insurance benefits, is payable out of the social insurance fund. The fund is financed by contributions by employers, employees and the Exchequer but the amount of the Exchequer contribution is not apportioned between the different benefits. It is estimated, however, that the amount of unemployment benefit which will be paid in 1976 will be in the region of £44 million.

Unemployment Assistance is paid directly from the Exchequer. It is estimated that the cost of unemployment assistance—including the amount paid to smallholder recipients—will be in the region of £50 million in 1976.

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