asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he will state when it is expected to publish the statistics relating to unemployment ascertained by the Census of 1926, and if he will state the reason for the delay.

There has been no delay in the publication of the results of the Census of Population which of necessity takes a considerable time to compile. Indeed, publication has proceeded more rapidly than was usual on previous occasions. Three of the final volumes have already been issued: the fourth, on Housing, will go to print in about a fortnight. The fifth volume, on Unemployment, should be ready for publication in about four months.

Does not the Parliamentary Secretary think that the value of information of that nature is seriously impaired by the delay in making it available to members of the Dáil?

I think in the circumstances that it is being issued as early as it could possibly be issued.