Vol. 577 No. 4
107 Mr. Kehoe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if the recently published Central Statistics Office figures show a true picture of unemployment in a number of areas (details supplied); her views on these figures; if she has an emergency plan in place to combat these figures; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31491/03]
According to the 2002 census of population, which was conducted on 28 April 2002, Ireland's unemployment rate was 8.8% as measured by responses to the question on principal economic status. However, the Quarterly National Household Survey, which is carried out on a regional basis by the Central Statistics Office, is a more reliable guide to unemployment. The national unemployment rate in the second quarter of 2002 as measured by this survey was 4.2%. The figure was 5.2% in the most recent quarterly survey.
The objective of the State development agencies has been to encourage the design of a strategy that will enable as many areas as possible to share in balanced regional development and their efforts are directed towards its achievement. The effectiveness of the strategy will be strongly influenced by a supportive business environment in the regions.
I am concerned at the level of unemployment in the areas mentioned. IDA Ireland, Enterprise Ireland and the relevant county enterprise boards are already actively involved in supporting enterprise development in these areas and will continue their efforts to address the jobs situation.
