asked the Taoiseach the most recent unemployment figures for Waterford city and county; and the corresponding figures for each of the last three years.

The latest information available on the number of persons on the live register relates to 26 March 1982. On that date the number of persons on the live register at Waterford city employment exchange was 3,698. At the corresponding dates in each of the last three years the figures were as follows: 1981, 2,871; 1980, 1,951; 1979, 2,059.

For the other local employment offices in County Waterford the aggregate live register totals on the same dates were: 1982, 832; 1981, 715; 1980, 468; 1979, 422.

Obviously those figures do not include the latest factory closures in Waterford. Would the Minister agree that the figures are catastrophic and that something urgently needs to be done to improve the employment situation in Waterford city and county?

The information I have given is of a statistical nature. I do not know to what date the Deputy is referring in respect of recent figures. If he will put down a separate question in that regard to the Minister for Industry and Energy perhaps the matter can then be dealt with.

Does the Minister agree that the figures are way above the national average and, as a consequence, that he might give special treatment to Waterford when it comes to future employment prospects?

That is a separate question proper to the Minister for Industry and Energy.