Frances Fitzgerald
Question:74 Ms Fitzgerald asked the Taoiseach the progress to date on the study commissioned by the Government on unpaid work and its value to the economy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17957/00]
Written Answers. - Unpaid Work.
In consideration of the commitments given in Partnership 2000, paragraph 5.11, a pilot time use survey was carried out by the CSO in June 1997. A full time use survey is needed to provide information on the quantum of unpaid work undertaken. A report on the outcome of the pilot survey was published in July 1999. This showed that conducting a full survey would be feasible but that it would be a major undertaking requiring considerable financing. In addition, a number of technical issues were raised that would require further investigation.
Under the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness, section 2.1.10, NESC will be requested to consider the development of a framework by June 2001 to bring into operation national progress indicators to measure economic, social and environmental development. This will encompass the availability and use of new forms of data sources, including time use surveys, national household accounts and national satellite accounts.