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.