Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 26 Jan 2000

Vol. 513 No. 1

Written Answers. - Private Sector Vacancies.

John Bruton

Ceist:

155 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when the next national survey of private sector vacancies will be carried out; and the evidence, if any, of change in the number of vacancies since the last survey in autumn 1998. [1374/00]

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Ms Harney):

A national survey of vacancies is currently in the field. The survey being undertaken by the Economic and Social Research Institute is a follow-up to the last national survey vacancies of autumn 1998. The results of the survey currently in hand are likely to be published in early summer 2000.

In the period since the last national survey of vacancies in autumn 1998, we have experienced substantial growth in employment and the labour force, leading to further reductions in unemployment. For example, based on the most recent releases from the Central Statistics Office, including the quarterly national household survey for third quarter 1999 and the live register statement for December 1999, the standardised unemployment rate has fallen to 5% and the long-term unemployment rate has fallen to 2.1%. Falling unemployment leading to an ever tightening labour market can be reflected in an increased incidence of vacancies which may be confirmed by the ESRI survey which is currently being completed.