asked the Minister for Social Welfare the number of people using the central employment exchange in Cork city.

(Mayo West): The number of persons on the live register at the employment exchange, Cork, on 30 April 1982 was 7,971 of which 880 were cases which are dealt with by post.

19.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare if, in view of the high unemployment rate in Cork city and the overcrowded conditions at the central employment exchange, he is considering the setting up of local offices in the different districts of the city.

(Mayo West): My Department is aware of the problems mentioned by the Deputy in relation to the employment exchange in Cork and is making every effort to rectify the position. A site has been acquired in Hanover Street and the Office of Public Works is proceeding as a matter of urgency with the design of a new premises which will be purpose built to replace the existing employment exchange. Pending the building of the new office additional accommodation has been made available by the Office of Public Works in nearby Anglesea Street which will be used to deal with women claimants to benefit, thus relieving the pressure on the present office in Union Quay.

20.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare the number of people registered as unemployed in the (a) Cork North Central constituency and (b) Cork South Central constituency.

(Mayo West): Unemployed persons from the areas mentioned by the Deputy register at a number of different local offices along with unemployed claimants from other areas. Statistics are not readily available in a form which would enable the information sought by the Deputy to be given.

Will the Minister give the House details of the number of people unemployed in the area serviced by the Cork local exchange at 1 May 1982?

(Mayo West): I do not have that information with me but I will communicate with the Deputy on the matter.