andMr. Mitchell asked the Taoiseach if Ireland made a return to the EEC in relation to the collection of statistics on unemployment in relation to: (a) the percentage of unemployed under 25 years of age, (b) the number of unfilled vacancies and if not, why; and if any estimates at all are available in relation to these matters.
Written Answers. - Unemployment Statistics.
159.
A monthly statistical statement on the registered unemployed and on vacancies unfilled is made by the Central Statistics Office to the EEC Statistical Office. The latter organisation uses the data to compile and publish a monthly statistical statement on these topics covering all the member states of the Community. As the regular live register compilations do not involve an age classification which includes a category of less than 25 years it is not possible to supply figures on this basis. Figures for vacancies unfilled at the end of each month as notified to the National Manpower Service and to local employment offices are forwarded to the EEC Statistical Office according as they become available. The most recent such figures relate to the end of October 1978.
The series of Labour Force Surveys, the most recent of which relates to end-April 1977, provide estimated figures for unemployed persons in different age groups.