Vol. 434 No. 5
50 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Finance the progress that has been made in addressing the unemployment figures under recent national agreements, that is the Programme for National Recovery and the Programme for Economic and Social Progress; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The best response to unemployment is to so manage the economy as to achieve employment growth. Annual Labour Force Survey data indicate that total employment grew by 45,000 between April 1987 and April 1992 the most recent date for which such data are available relative to the period of the two programmes. This contrasts with substantial employment losses prior to the programmes, a fall of 66,000 in the five years to April 1987.
The annual average number on the live register fell by almost 23,000 from 1987 to 1990 but rose again, by almost 60,000 by 1992. This increase in the live register reflects both the downturn in the world economy and continuing exceptional demographic pressure in Ireland. Despite the unfavourable international environment, Labour Force Survey data indicate that Irish employment held up well between 1990 and 1992, and later data at sectoral levels point to a continuation of this relatively good performance. This is in sharp contrast to the EC where total employment fell by ¾ per cent in 1992 and is expected to fall even more steeply this year. Ireland's employment performance in adverse circumstances is due in large part to the Government's policies which have been implemented in the framework of both the Programme for National Recovery and the Programme for Economic and Social Progress.
