Bernard J. Durkan
Question:127 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs the number of persons on the live register for three or more years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23879/99]
Written Answers. - Live Register.
According to the most recent figures published by the CSO, which are in respect of April 1999, out of a total of 198,076 persons signing on the live register, 44,940 – or 23% of the total – were on the live register for three years and over. The latest number of persons who are on the live register as published by the CSO at the end of October 1999 was 177,945.
The reduction in long-term unemployment – one year and more – and very long-term unemployment – three years and more – has been one of the most encouraging features of the fall in the live register in recent years. This can be attributed to a significant extent to the targeting of a wide range of employment supports towards the long-term unemployed and to better management of the live register.