Bertie Ahern
Question:9 Mr. B. Ahern asked the Taoiseach when it is proposed to commence quarterly labour force surveys in order to produce quarterly employment statistics. [11579/96]
Written Answers. - Employment Statistics.
The Central Statistics Office has prepared detailed proposals for the introduction of a quarterly multipurpose household survey, covering the labour force as well as a range of social topics. A canvass of over 100 users of statistics during 1995 indicated widespread support for the introduction of such a survey.
The cost of the proposed survey is a matter which requires careful consideration. What is being proposed is a continuous survey of households throughout the year; with data collection using laptop computers and the publication of quarterly employment and unemployment estimates within three months of the end of each quarter.
Options to meet the cost of the new survey are being examined so as to minimise the additional cost to the Exchequer. A number of other mandatory statistical requirements are emerging at EU level and an integrated approach to the collection, processing and publication of this data is being developed. Given the complexity of the task, I would hope that the first of the proposed quarterly surveys will take place in the first half of 1997.