asked the Taoiseach the total number of unemployed persons registered in the Dublin area; and the approximate number of last year's schoolleavers in that area who failed to obtain employment.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dublin Unemployed.
1.
The total number of persons on the live register at the four Dublin employment exchanges on 6th February, 1976, was 33,702. The figure includes 1,914 systematic short-time workers. The information requested in respect of schoolleavers is not available.
I cannot understand that. Can the Parliamentary Secretary not tell the House the number of boys who claimed unemployment benefit? I am aware this benefit is not paid to girls but my estimation is that about 50,000 boys are involved. I should like to be told that this figure is wrong.
I am told that the unemployment benefit recipients have to be working for half a year and have 26 stamps before they draw benefit. The assistance recipients can get assistance from the age of 18 but they do not normally register if they are looking for work for the first time.
They can draw assistance without stamps.
They can but the information I have is that they do not normally register when looking for work for the first time. Although I accept that there are schoolleavers not at work the question the Deputy asked does not allow me to answer without the resources of the Central Statistics Office in the way they produce their unemployment figures.
In view of the most unsatisfactory nature of the reply I wish to give notice of my intention to raise the matter on the Adjournment.