asked the Minister for Social Welfare the number of persons registered for unemployment benefit in the Dungarvan area, County Waterford; and how it compares with last year's number.

The number of persons registered for unemployment benefit in the Dungarvan area was 422 on 29 April 1983 and 209 on 30 April 1982. The total numbers on the live register in the area in question were 807 on 29 April 1983 and 578 on 30 April 1982. The additional numbers are mainly unemployment assistance applicants.

Has the Minister got an explanation for such a huge increase? Was he disturbed by it?

Of course we are, and the Government are taking the necessary economic steps to ensure we will arrest the decline.

Can the people of Dungarvan, who are so badly affected by unemployment, look forward to any relief in the near future?

That is a separate question for another Minister.