Vol. 464 No. 1
42 Mr. Callely asked the Taoiseach if he has satisfied himself that the current sources of unemployment data provide sufficient information for analytical purposes; the other matters, if any, that have been considered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7606/96]
The definitive source of comprehensive data on employment and unemployment is the annual labour force survey. I am satisfied that this survey provides an extensive range of analyses of the labour market situation, including internationally comparable measures of employment and unemployment.
Following consultation with over 100 users of statistics during 1995, the CSO has examined the feasibility of conducting a quarterly multi-purpose household survey covering labour force as well as a range of social topics. The CSO's proposals for such a quarterly survey are currently under consideration.
The live register is also used as an indicator of short-term trends in the absence of sub-annual definitive LFS data. However, the live register is based on an administrative system which is not designed to measure the level of unemployment. A subgroup of the Central Review Committee, comprising representatives of relevant Government Departments and representatives of the social partners, has been established to review the composition of the live register. The CSO is participating in this subgroup.
