Vol. 420 No. 9
6 Mr. Durkan asked the Taoiseach if he will outline the number of persons unemployed for more than one year in respect of (a) the 18-24 age group, (b) the 25-35 age group and (c) the 36-45 age group; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
An age by duration analysis of the live register is compiled in respect of the third Friday of April and October each year. The most recently published data relate to 18 October 1991.
While the precise age breakdown requested by the Deputy is not available, I propose to circulate in the Official Report a statement giving the most comparable information.
Following is the statement:
Persons on the live register for 1 year and over by age-group
|
Under 25 years |
20,398 |
|
25-34 years |
30,537 |
|
35-44 years |
29,003 |
In anticipation of receiving the relevant figures can the Minister of State indicate whether the Government have any plans to bring about a position here so that this country could be rendered a better place in which to invest resulting in a reduction of the numbers unemployed?
I am sorry, I cannot facilitate the Deputy now. He must table a question on that subject. This question was essentially statistical. Therefore, matters of policy do not arise now.
I asked a specific question to which no reply was forthcoming. I am being told now that a different reply will be given at a later stage. On the basis of the information the Minister of State has at his disposal can he tell the House how the Government propose to alleviate the problem to which I referred?
As the Deputy well knows, this enters into the policy area.
On a point of order, Sir——
I cannot entertain a point of order. On a clear direction from the Chair, this question is essentially statistical and policy matters do not arise now.
On a point of order, Sir——
The Deputy should not continue with that tactic. I have ruled in accordance with an established and long-standing rule of this House, and the Deputy knows that——
This is a different point.
The Deputy should put down a question if he wants policy matters to be decided.
I put down a specific question but an answer is not forthcoming. The Minister has avoided giving an answer to this House because he has not got the answer.
If the Deputy is dissatisfied with a Minister's or a Minister of State's reply, he does have a remedy in this House.
