asked the Taoiseach the plans, if any, which exist relating to the restructuring of the live register of unemployed, which would indicate clearly the numbers of young people out of work, particularly those in the under 25 age group.

One of the aspects under consideration by the Inter-departmental Study Group on Unemployment Statistics is the provision, on a regular basis, of an age classification of all persons on the live register.

Is it necessary to have this classification, having regard to the difficulty of implementing policies in this area in the absence of knowledge of the number who are unemployed?

I agree.

Can the Minister indicate when this classification will be introduced?

As I stated in the reply this is one of the matters being considered by the study group. I understand that a full report from this group is expected to be submitted in the near future.

Will the final item be drafted before or after the census?

The matter will not enter into the forthcoming census.

Will it be produced before the end of the year?

It will be produced very soon but that does not mean necessarily before the end of the year.

I expect it will be produced after 6 June.