Vol. 458 No. 3
7 Mr. J. Walsh asked the Taoiseach the terms of reference of the newly established task force on the long-term unemployed; the likely date on which the task force will report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16754/95]
At a recent meeting the Government considered the latest trends in employment and unemployment. In particular, the Government considered in-depth the unacceptably high level of long-term unemployment and reviewed its commitments to ensuring that economic and employment growth benefit the long-term unemployed, including those living in unemployment blackspots.
The Government has instructed a group of officials, across relevant Government Departments, to examine issues relating to employment and unemployment, especially long-term unemployment, and to report to the Government on a regular basis.
The Government will on foot of those regular reports consider specific proposals to put in place further measures to stimulate employment growth and tackle long-term unemployment.
In formulating Government policy on unemployment, which figures are used by the Government, the live register figure or the labour force survey figure?
The Government regards the labour force survey figure as more reliable. However, in terms of short-term trends, since the live register figure is issued more regularly it is useful as an indicator of movement, though not necessarily of the true scale of the problem.
If the Taoiseach regards the labour force figure as more reliable, why is the State paying 84,000 extra people unemployment benefit?
That is worthy of a separate question. Questions were tabled to the Minister of State, Deputy Jim Higgins, in which he gave a detailed reply regarding the reasons for the difference between the live register and labour force survey figures. It is not the case in all instances — the Deputy is not suggesting this — that people are illegitimately claiming on the live register. Different methods of classification are used in the live register and the labour force survey.
It is extraordinary.
The Government regards the labour force survey as a more reliable measure. If the Deputy wishes to pursue the reasons for the discrepancy between the two figures, it is worthy of a separate question. As it is quite technical, I would prefer not to become involved in an ex tempore interpretation of the difference. A question was answered by the Minister of State, Deputy Jim Higgins.
Yes, that is correct.
Nobody has answered it yet. The position is bewildering.
Does a recent article by the Minister of State, Deputy Rabbitte, on targeting unemployment blockspots represent Government policy? Will the Government take measures in the budget with regard to reducing PRSI and tax in order to promote employment?
There is quite an extension of the subject matter of the question.
My questions are related.
As the Deputy is undoubtedly aware, the Government is already targeting unemployment blackspots through, for example, the local partnership area scheme which is aimed at areas of particularly high unemployment. I read the Minister of State's excellent speech, which raised a number of possibilities of further extensions of policy in this area. I urge every Member to read the Minister of State's speech and to contribute their views on the matter.
That is carrying partnership too far.
I will send the Deputy a copy.
I read the speech — more blather.
