Vol. 542 No. 3
3 Mr. B. Hayes asked the Taoiseach the plans which exist to measure the level of unpaid social work within the economy through the establishment of a parallel economic index; if it is possible to include such a measurement in the existing GDP figures produced by the Central Statistics Office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21453/01]
The current UN and EU national accounting methodology specifically excludes from the national accounts the value of unpaid work, including unpaid social work. Thus, the value of such work is not reflected in GDP. Any estimate of unpaid social work in the annual accounts would probably have to include unwaged social work done both inside and outside the home. The measurement of the extent of these activities and their valuations present substantial theoretical and practical problems. However, the international standards do make provision for and encourage the development of so-called satellite accounts in which subject areas which do not form part of the formal national accounts framework can be addressed. Some countries have made a start on developing a satellite account that would capture voluntary work, at least in terms of hours worked, if not monetary value.
One of the main tools which has been developed to provide the basic raw material for this purpose is a time use survey, in which the hours devoted to unpaid and paid work are measured. The CSO conducted a pilot exercise of this type in 1997 to test the feasibility in the Irish context. The pilot was successful and the CSO accepts that there is a valid basis for conducting a time use survey. However, in view of the relatively high cost of undertaking a time use survey and the many other competing statistical priorities for the CSO, there are no arrangements to hold such a survey. The CSO has indicated that the matter will be kept under review in consultation with the National Statistics Board.
