Vol. 572 No. 2
95 Mr. Stanton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment her views on the increase in the number of youth unemployed in the recent register figures; the details of same; the action she intends to take as a result; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22727/03]
The live register is not designed to measure unemployment. It includes part-time workers – those who work up to three days a week – and seasonal and casual workers entitled to unemployment benefit.
The number of persons under 25 years of age on the live register at the end of September 2003 was 34,099, a decrease of 3,250 on the previous month. This compares to an annual increase of 2,673 on September 2002 figures.
Unemployment is measured by the Quarterly National Household Survey. The number of young persons unemployed in the second quarter of 2003 (the latest QNHS) has dropped slightly (100) in the 15-19 age group and has remained static in the 20-24 age group when compared to the same period last year.
Despite small increases in unemployment the numbers at work have increased. Employment grew by 28,000 or 1.6% in the year to the second quarter of 2003. The employment rate for 15-64 age group was 65.0%, which is the same as the previous year.
The number of young persons employed in this period has dropped by 1,500 in the 15-19 age group and has increased by 3,300 in the 20-24 age group when compared to the same period in 2002. This gives an overall increase of 1,800 in young persons in employment on a year-to-year basis.
Given the difficult economic climate I believe that these figures show a strong and resilient labour market, which is well placed to take advantage of any improvement in the international economic situation.
FÁS continues to provide a range of services for young unemployed people with particular emphasis on early school leavers.
