asked the Taoiseach the estimated total number of people at work at the end of 1960, 1970 and 1980.

The annual estimates available of the numbers at work relate to April of each year and are as follows:

April 1961, 1,053,000; April 1971, 1,055,000; April 1980, 1,163,000 (provisional).

I did not hear the last figure.

It was less than the other two.

I found it difficult to believe that it could be so low.

The Deputy can believe it; it was a very impressive figure, 1,163,000 while the figure for 1971 was 1,055,000. I am sorry to have to disappoint the Deputy.

The Minister of State has us dazzled with figures.