asked the Taoiseach the reasons why the inter-departmental study group on unemployment statistics decided to change the frequency of the publication of the live register statistics from a weekly to a monthly basis.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Live Register Statistics Publication.
5.
In their report, published in May 1979, the inter-departmental study group on unemployment statistics gave their recommendations concerning the frequency of the publication of the basic live register statistics in the following terms:
A number of submissions, representing a broad cross-section of interests, which were forwarded to the Study Group expressed the view that it was not necessary to have a basic Live Register publication every week; that a monthly statement would suffice and that the resources currently employed in compiling the weekly figures would be better utilised in producing other relevant information. The Group gave detailed consideration to this question. It is true, as far as can be determined, that no other country publishes an official weekly unemployment total. An examination of the actual weekly totals over a long period of time shows that, in the vast majority of cases, the weekly changes are of a relatively minute order of magnitude and in many instances involve only differences of a few hundred, very often much less. The Study Group concluded that, on balance, it is not necessary to publish a basic Live Register total every week and that, like all other countries, the compilation of a monthly aggregate is sufficient for general economic and social purposes.
The recommendation in question was implemented from January of this year.
With regard generally to the compiling of unemployment statistics, will the Minister of State tell the House whether the Statistics Office has ever considered analysing the figures in a given district or in a selection of districts in order to track every individual to see who has lost a job and why, who has got a job and where and the reasons why a person has not been successful in getting employment? Until that is done we will never be sure about these figures.
That is a separate question.
Will the Minister of State tell us if that has ever been considered?
I do not know but I will find out for the Deputy.
Will the Minister of State not agree that when the National Coalition were in office it was always alleged that the register understated unemployment but now we are getting the suggestion from the Fianna Fáil benches that the figures overstate unemployment? If we are to believe some Ministers, we have full employment now. Until a study is done, district by district, we will never know the truth.