asked the Taoiseach the latest unemployment figures for Waterford city and county; and the comparable figures for 1981 and 1980.

The latest information available on the number of persons on the live register relates to 24 September 1982. On that date the number of persons on the live register in Waterford city employment exchange was 3,597. At the corresponding dates in 1981 and 1980 the figures were 2,868 and 2,317 respectively. For the other local employment offices in County Waterford the aggregate live register totals on the same dates were 962, 807 and 706 respectively.

Could the Minister of State give me those figures as a percentage of the work force?

I do not have the percentages but I can get them for the Deputy.

Would the Minister of State be in a position to give me the unemployment figures for Waterford city as compared with last year?

This was not in the question but I am sure they are available.

5.