Brian Hayes
Ceist:24 Mr. B. Hayes asked the Taoiseach if he will confirm the increase on the live register over the past three months. [19746/01]
Written Answers. - Live Register.
There were 139,515 on the Live Register at the end of February this year, 135,885 in March, 136,561 in April, and 133,691 at the end of May. This represents a decrease of 3,630 in March, followed by an increase of 676 in April and a decrease of 2,870 in May.
When seasonal factors are removed from the figures, however, the underlying trend has been an increase in each month; of 300 in March, 1,700 in April, and 2,100 in May.
On an annual basis, the Live Register for May 2001 was 19,180 lower than one year previously and 114,423 lower than the figure for May 1997.
Questions Nos. 25 to 32, inclusive, answered orally.