asked the Taoiseach (a) the percentage of youth unemployment and (b) the percentage of unemployed who have been out of work (i) for over six months and (ii) in the past three years.

Dún Laoghaire): The latest half-yearly analysis of the live register by age and duration of continuous registration relates to 22 April 1983. At that time there were 55,732 persons under 25 years of age on the live register of whom 21,249 or 38.1 per cent were on the register for 27 weeks or more; while 10,242 or 18.4 per cent were on the register for 53 weeks or more.

On the same date there were 188,807 persons of all ages on the live register of whom 96,047 or 50.9 per cent were on the register for 27 weeks or more; while 58,529 or 31.0 per cent were on the register for 53 weeks or more.

In the half-yearly analysis the number of persons who have been continuously on the register for three years or over is not separately identified.

Deputies should bear in mind that this is a statistical question. I want to say that before I get into a hassle with somebody.

The Chair is very nervous. I assume the Minister is taking these questions separately.

(Dún Laoghaire): I am taking Question No. 1.

Considering that the number unemployed in the age group up to 25 has risen from 48,000 a year ago to a figure close to 60,000 today — an increase of about 12,000 in a 12-month period — will the Minister say in regard to the measures taken to combat youth unemployment——

The first part of the Deputy's question is quite in order but he is asking now about a policy matter and it is not a matter for this Minister.

Could the Minister tell me statistically what measures it is proposed to take to deal with these statistics?

(Dún Laoghaire): This is not a question for me. I would love to answer it.

I do not think the Minister has an answer.

(Dún Laoghaire): I have.

2.

asked the Taoiseach the average number, and the percentage unemployed in manufacturing industry in each of the last three years.

(Dún Laoghaire): According to the monthly industrial analysis of the live register, the average number of registrants classified to manufacturing industry was 32,961 in 1981, 41,065 in 1982 and 52,989 in January-August 1983, the latest period for which the information is available. These represent 12.3 per cent, 15.1 per cent and 19.5 per cent respectively of the estimated manufacturing labour force at mid-April in each of these years.

Would the Minister agree that these figures amount to a haemorrhage in regard to the manufacturing industry? Unemployment in this sector seems to have increased by 10,000 during the past 12 months. This is a crucial area. Will the Minister of State state clearly what measures the Government intend to take?

That is not in order on a statistical question.

There are many people unemployed and I am trying to highlight the fact.

I fully appreciate that.

(Dún Laoghaire): I accept that the Deputy has a point but the question is not appropriate to my Department.

I want to display the magnitude of the problem during the past 12 months.

3.

asked the Taoiseach how the percentage figures for those unemployed in Ireland, compares with the average figure for the EEC at the latest available date.

4.

asked the Taoiseach the total number unemployed; and the percentage unemployment rate at the latest available date; and if he will give this date in respect of the past three years.

(Dún Laoghaire): I propose to take Questions Nos. 3 and 4 together.

On 28 October 1983, the latest date for which figures are available, there were 196,309 persons on the live register. Corresponding end-October figures for the two previous years were: 1982, 165,015;1981,129,211.

When these figures are expressed as percentages of the civilian working population the derived percentage unemployment rates are: 1983, 15.5; 1982, 13.0; 1981, 10.3.

The rate of 15.5 per cent for Ireland compares with the overall average of 10.5 per cent for all ten member states of the EEC in October 1983.

Would the Minister confirm statistically that an extra 31,000 people have become unemployed during the past 12 months?

(Dún Laoghaire): On 28 October 1983, the latest date for which figures are available, there were 196,309 persons on the live register as compared with 165,015 in 1982.

There is a difference of 31,000 and it is important to highlight that point. The increase in unemployed has occurred during a 12-month period and quite a significant proportion of it relates to the manufacturing sector. The Minister pointed out that unemployment was at a rate of 15 per cent here while the corresponding figure in Europe was 10 per cent. In view of the magnitude of the unemployment crisis, what do the Government intend to do about it?

I have ruled on that.

The Minister may tell me statistically if he wishes.

(Dún Laoghaire): There is no way to answer that question statistically.

If the party opposite had not created the problem it would not exist.

There has been an increase of 31,000 in those unemployed during the past year, most of them young people.