Written Answers. - Unemployment Figures.
Dick Spring
Question:
39
Mr. Spring
asked the
Minister for Finance
if his attention has been drawn to the fact that in each of the last four years the trend established by publication of the live register figures has demonstrated a steady reduction in unemployment as a percentage of the workforce for the first five months of each year, and that the trend in the first five months of this year has been exactly the reverse; if this matter will be investigated with a view of establishing the reasons for this difference; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
John Browne
Question:
43
Mr. Browne (Carlow-Kilkenny)
asked the
Minister for Finance
if he will outline the figures for unemployment on the live register for the end of April 1990 and the end of April 1991; and if he will make a statement on the reasons for the increase.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 39 and 43 together.
The total number of persons on the live register at end-April 1990 was 221,060. The comparable figure for end-April 1991 was 247,991.
In the years 1987-90 the live register total expressed as a percentage of the labour force rose in January but — with one exception — fell in each of the following four months. In 1991 there were increases in each of the four months to last April but this trend was reversed by the end-May figures.
Because of the increased availability of seasonal employment, the live register normally falls in the February-to-May period. This year the underlying increase exceeded seasonal outflows resulting in an increase in the live register over the period.
The central reason for this upturn in the live register is the adverse developments internationally, especially in the UK, which have reduced outward migration and led to the return of previous emigrants.
This is confirmed by the preliminary results of the 1991 census of population published recently by the Central Statistics Office. Net emigration in the 12 months to last April is estimated at only 1,000, that is, 30,000 less than in the 12 months to April 1990. The virtual cessation of net emigration has led to rapid expansion of the domestic labour force.
While we must await compilation by the Central Statistics Office of figures for April last, the evidence of income tax and related receipts strongly supports the view that employment trends have not been a factor in the increase of the live register.
In response to the Taoiseach's suggestion, the special task force on employment have initiated an assessment of the possibility of identifying the components contributing to changes in the live register.
