asked the Taoiseach the average weekly number of persons on the live register for the first nine months of 1977, 1978 and 1979.

The average weekly number of persons on the live register for the first nine months of 1977 was 111,887, for 1978 it was 103,711 and for 1979 it was 93,923. These figures are averages for the last Friday in each month, since all the individual weekly figures for 1979 are not yet available.

The average live register figure for the first nine months of 1979 is affected by the relaxation, on 1 October 1978, in the regulations governing the conditions under which single women and widows may apply for unemployment assistance. It is estimated that the average live register figure for this period would have been some 2,200 less if the regulations had remained unchanged.

17.

asked the Taoiseach the number of persons on the live register in Waterford as at the nearest available date in mid-October 1977, 1978, 1979.

The latest weekly total available for the number of persons on the live register relates to 5 October 1979. The numbers of persons on the live register at Waterford local office on that date and on the corresponding dates in 1978 and 1977 are as follows: 5 October 1979, 1,819; 6 October 1978, 2,237; 7 October 1977, 1,926.

Would the Minister of State agree that on the basis of his figures there has been no improvement in the employment situation in Waterford since his Government took office?

There was a reduction between 7 October 1977 and 5 October 1979 from 1,926 to 1,819—107.

That, I think, is not the same as the reduction nationally and would the Minister state the reasons for it?

That is argument.

I have given the Deputy the figures and he can do any permutations and combinations himself that he wishes to do.

I asked a simple question.

Question No. 18.