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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 5 Jun 1991

Vol. 409 No. 4

Written Answers. - Processes Influencing Unemployment.

Richard Bruton

Question:

24 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will collect data on the last position held by those joining the live register each month, and the position taken up by those leaving it, in order to improve understanding of the processes influencing unemployment; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

I am examining the feasibility of collecting data on the previous history of people signing on the live register for the first time. This would involve a comprehensive coding system to record the immediate employment history of each new registrant. Following consultation with the Central Statistics Office, I am setting up a pilot scheme in a number of employment exchanges around the country to test the feasibility of my proposals. On completion of the pilot scheme the quality and extent of the data collected will be evaluated and a decision made as to its wider implementation.

My Department have also examined the question of collecting data on those leaving the live register. This would be a more complicated operation. Substantial resources would have to be expended in tracing and contacting the people concerned and ascertaining their present position. In the light of the resources available, I am concentrating for the present on the collection of data concerning those joining the live register.

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