asked the Taoiseach the number of registered unemployed people in the Dublin area as at 1 January 1982.

The total number of persons on the live register at the six local offices in Dublin County Borough was 36,629 on 31 December 1981.

Would the Minister read the figure again?

Yes, 36,629.

Does that include part-time employment?

Yes.

Because it shows a very big increase on this time last year would the Taoiseach consider making Dublin a disaster area so that special effective measures can be taken to provide employment for people living here? That is a frightful total.

The corresponding figure for 1979 was 23,340, while for 2nd January, 1981 the figure was 31,999. I do not recall any talk about a disaster area then.

The Minister should not be flippant about this matter.

Deputy Moore, please ask questions.

I am asking questions. Would the Taoiseach consider taking special measures to provide useful employment for the unemployed people in the greater Dublin area?

That is a policy question, as the Deputy is well aware, and if he will put down a question to the relevant Minister he will get a reply.

It will be too late then.