Michael Creed
Question:66 Mr. Creed asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs the amount of money saved by his Department over the last 12 months due to falling numbers on the live register. [18720/98]
Written Answers. - Live Register.
Over the last 12 months, from the end of September 1997 to the end of September 1998, the numbers on the live register decreased by 30,154. This represents a decrease of 12 per cent of the total live register. Its achievement was due to the continuing success of the strategies and policies being pursued by this Government.
Much of the decrease in the live register over the period in question was anticipated when the estimates for 1997 and 1998 were being framed. For example, the average live register on which the 1998 Estimates were framed was 232,000. This compared with an actual average live register of 254,400 for 1997. This very substantial decrease, resulted in a reduction of around £84 million in the amount otherwise required for unemployment payments in 1998.
The actual decrease in the live register this year has been even better than had been anticipated when the estimates were being granted. It is now forecast that the live register for 1998 will average around 229,000 and this will result in an additional reduction of £11 million approximately in unemployment payments this year.