asked the Taoiseach if he has considered arranging discussions with the Irish Congress of Trade Unions and the Federation of Irish Industry with a view to seeking ways whereby unemployment and inflation might be curbed; and, if not, why.

The Government are deeply concerned about the problems of unemployment and inflation and have taken action on many fronts to alleviate them. As is well known, in addition to action in the budgetary and monetary spheres, the Government played a leading role in bringing about the establishment of the Employer-Labour Conference which concluded the two national pay agreements. Moreover, the National Prices Commission ensure a continuing voice for representatives of both sides of industry in the formulation of policy for controlling price increases.

The Government have held consultations on a number of occasions in the past year or so with trade union and employer organisations and will continue to do so as and when the situation demands.

Will the Taoiseach state the date of the last meeting with the Congress of Trade Unions and if, in the light of the present unemployment problem, any recent request has been received from them on this matter?

I think the last meeting with the trade unions was almost a year ago. I am not aware that a recent request has been made; it may have been but I am not aware of it.

Will the Taoiseach not agree that the situation has deteriorated since a year ago?

No. There may have been some redundancies but the economy is improving, productivity is increasing and I think the inflationary graph has turned in a healthier direction.

Is the Taoiseach satisfied with the unemployment situation?

Certainly not. There was no indication in what I have said that I was satisfied.

I thought the Taoiseach referred to "an inflationary draught". An inflationary gale might be more appropriate.

I used the words "inflationary graph".

Will the Taoiseach accept that there is a serious responsibility on him as head of the Government to take charge of the disatrous situation regarding prices and unemployment? In a similar emergency in Britain Harold Wilson did this. Will the Taoiseach agree this is a special responsibility on him as head of the Government?

I can assure the Deputies that the Government at all times are prepared to take whatever steps are necessary. Personally I am determined to protect the interests of our country, whether they are prejudiced economically, politically or otherwise—for example, through statements being dispersed on behalf of people who want to undermine the security of the State. It is wide open to the Opposition to take advantage of situations like that, it is probably their right, but as far as I am concerned personally I am going to insist on taking action on all fronts—politically, economically and otherwise.

That is a notable change of heart on the part of the Taoiseach.

In view of the statement of the Taoiseach——

Would the Deputy please resume his seat and allow questions to continue?

——could I have a reply to Question No. 1 instead of a statement that is not relevant?

I gave the Deputy a comprehensive reply.

The Taoiseach did not. He said they have not met for over a year.

2.

asked the Taoiseach the percentage of the total unemployed under the age of 21 years.

Comprehensive figures for the total live register classified by age groups are not available.

Why are they not available?

Apparently they are just not complied in the manner in which the Deputy is seeking them.

Is it envisaged that there will be changes to ensure that these figures will be available?

There is always a possibility of that, but I am not giving the Deputy any firm undertaking on this point.

The Parliamentary Secretary is aware that after December 7th these people will be voting citizens of this State. Is he saying that our statistics office do not compile any figures of unemployment for this important sector?

Figures of unemployment are prepared on a broadly based wage related scale and they do not deal specifically with any particular age group.

Question No. 3.

Would it be possible to do so to ensure that there are training programmes?

The Departments of Labour and Industry and Commerce, which are responsible for these areas, are aware of those who are in need of training.

How do they know when they do not know their ages?

The people who apply are in a particular age group. Figures are not necessary.

3.

asked the Taoiseach the total number of unemployed in this country for each of the months September, October and November to the latest available date.

With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to circulate in the Official Report a statement giving the required information.

Following is the statement:

Numbers of persons on the live register in the period specified.

4.

asked the Taoiseach the number of persons unemployed at the present time for (i) six to 12 months, (ii) one to two years, and (iii) over two years.

The numbers of persons on the live Register on 25th August, the latest available date, classified by duration of continuous registration are as follows:

The figures for the duration classes specified at (ii) and (iii) are grouped as separate figures and are not available.

In respect of that group who have been over six weeks unemployed, what measures have been taken to obtain employment for them?

That is a separate question.

It is a separate question. As the Deputy knows, there is a comprehensive programme in the context of the provision of industry and so on continuing at all times. I would respectfully suggest to him that if he wants specific information he should address a question to the Minister concerned.

5.

asked the Taoiseach the total number of unemployed on 31st March for each of the past five years.

The numbers on the live register on the 30th March, 1972, and on the corresponding dates for the other years specified were as follows:

Would the Taoiseach not now agree that this is a serious unemployment situation, the worst for five years?

The Deputy must direct his questions at me.

That is directed at the Taoiseach.

6.

asked the Taoiseach the percentage of unemployed males (a) with dependants and (b) without dependants.

In July, 1972, 47 per cent of males listed for payment of unemployment benefit or unemployment assistance had no dependants and 53 per cent had dependants.