asked the Taoiseach the measures that are taken to ensure that the monthly statistics for the numbers of unemployed are accurate.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Unemployment Statistics.
2.
, Dún Laoghaire): The available monthly indicators of the trends in unemployment are the live register statistics. These statistics are based on the result of a count of all persons who, on the last Friday of the month, were claimants for unemployment benefit or applicants for unemployment assistance and of other persons who were signing the register on that day, mainly those signing to obtain credited social insurance contributions. The live register figure used is the total count excluding (a) small-holders (b) persons 65 years of age and over and (c) persons on systematic short-time. A separate count of the latter category is also published.
The statistics are an accurate measurement of the numbers of persons on the live register on the reference Friday. The content and classification follows the recommendation of the Interdepartmental Study Group on Unemployment Statistics published in 1979. Following that report, a number of additional analyses have been introduced to utilise more fully the statistical information available from the live register.
I am sure the Minister of State is aware that at the time of the "black hole" controversy serious doubts were cast on the accuracy of figures emanating from the CSO and these doubts were cast by no less a person than the Taoiseach. I wish to know if any assessment has been made in other areas of the work of the CSO in regard to the accuracy of their figures in view of the major error of £500 million that was made in the case to which I referred.
(Dún Laoghaire): In order to publish statistics regarding the live register, information is obtained mainly from the Department of Social Welfare. Since last year it has been decided that a labour force survey will be published each year. Previously this was done on a two-yearly basis but now it will be on a yearly basis. The 1983 figures should be available within the next few weeks and that should improve matters considerably. At least there will be some opportunity to check them.
Is the Minister of State aware of some persistent rumours in statistical economic circles that the EEC labour force survey will show a serious difference, perhaps to the extent of 50,000, in their figures as against those of the CSO in respect of unemployment in Ireland?
(Dún Laoghaire): All I can say is that when the figures are produced on a yearly basis it will give us a better opportunity to assess whatever differences may arise.
In relation to unemployment figures and their accuracy, will the Minister of State tell the House if any cognisance is taken in the compilation of such figures of emigration figures? Naturally the level of unemployment would be affected by the level of emigration. Is any such information available in regard to unemployment figures and how they might be affected by emigration? Secondly, will the Minister of State tell us the present position in relation to the new council which the Taoiseach, in what appeared to me to be a panic measure, set up following the discovery of the missing £500 million in our balance of payments? Have the council been set up, have we any information on the role they will play, what responsibilities they will have and how will the council affect the independence of the CSO?
That appears to be another aspect that is not relevant to the question.
(Dún Laoghaire): The information with regard to the live register is purely statistical and registers only the actual number of persons in receipt of social welfare benefits. Excluded from those figures are small-holders and people aged 65 years and over. Deputy Haughey spoke about emigration figures but that is a separate matter. I favour more comprehensive information with regard to statistics and any suggestions or statistics that can be given in producing better figures would be welcome. The Taoiseach and the Department are anxious to update figures and to get them out more quickly so that we might have a better idea as to the exact numbers involved. For the information of the House, I understand the number of small-holders is in the region of 18,000 and the number of persons aged 65 years and over is approximately 1,500.
The Minister of State did not say anything about the new council.
That is a separate question.
The reason given for the establishment of the council was to ensure greater efficiency and accuracy in the compilation of statistics and this question deals with that matter. Have the council been established and, if so, has their role been defined?
(Dún Laoghaire): The membership of the council was announced by the Taoiseach and presumably they are now in operation. I am not in a position, without prior notice of the question, to say how many times the council have met but if the Deputy wishes to have this information I am sure it can be obtained.