Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 22 Feb 1994

Vol. 439 No. 2

Written Answers. - Rise in Unemployment.

Peter Barry

Question:

40 Mr. Barry asked the Minister for Finance whether the total unemployed stands at 350,000 that is 297,089 on the live register, 17,641 unemployed people over 55 years of age, 15,000 on FÁS training courses and 20,000 others on various schemes; that this total does not include a large number of women who are not registered but who would take a job if available; that the rising totals of unemployed is causing alarm and a two tier society; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Finance (Mr. B. Ahern)

While the live register is considered to be a good short term indicator of unemployment trends, the official estimates of the true level of unemployment are based on the annual labour force survey which is carried out in April and May of each year. This survey forms part of a simultaneous EU-wide survey which uses a common procedure and methodology.

The estimated number of persons unemployed in April/May 1993 — according to the 1993 preliminary labour force survey estimates — was 230,000. This compares with live register totals of 294,600 and 289,900 at the end of April and May, respectively. The labour force survey data are derived from the responses of those surveyed as to their usual economic status.

The Deputy is not correct in stating that unemployment is rising: last month was the first January on record in which the live register fell. Measured in seasonally adjusted terms, the fall was over 6,000. Furthermore, the live register at end-January last was over 5,000 lower than at end-January 1993. The live register forecast underlying this year's budget is for a fall as compared with the 1993 average and a fall in unemployment based on the wider labour force survey definitions is also expected. Since the budget the Programme for Competitiveness and Work has been published which provides for faster employment growth than was anticipated in the National Development Plan and which therefore will provide a significant number of extra job opportunities for the unemployed.