asked the Minister for Labour if he will make a statement on current trends in unemployment.

Since 1980, there has been an upward trend in the level of unemployment and at the end of March 1984 there were 214,013 persons on the live register. This compares to 189,404 people at the end of March 1983 and 148,004 people at the end of March 1982.

The seasonally adjusted average monthly increase was lower for the year ending December 1983 at just over 2,300 than in 1982 when it was just over 3,200: So far in 1984 this lower rate of increase has continued and during March seasonally adjusted unemployment decreased slightly. While this is a welcome development the high level of unemployment is still of serious concern to me.

The Government are concentrating on creating an economic climate conducive to economic growth and the creation of sustainable employment. In line with this objective the National Planning Board have been working on a draft mediumterm economic plan, which will be available shortly.

The various employment schemes in operation including those funded by the youth employment levy are also contributing to the creation of employment. These schemes include the enterprise allowance scheme, the employment incentive scheme, the grant scheme for youth employment, the work experience programme and the various programmes of AnCO, CERT and the Youth Employment Agency.

Could the Minister give any forecast or projection of the likely effect on the unemployment figure of the Government's policies during the next two-year period?

For consumption at the weekend.

It is not possible for any Deputy in this House to give that kind of forecast. In view of the experience that this economy has had over the last five years, which was sad for those people out of work, it would be rash and unwise to attempt to give any detailed forecasts.

Considering that it would be rash to give those forecasts, is the Minister aware that the budget of the Minister for Finance has taken in a figure for social welfare benefits to a total of 225,000 people unemployed by the end of the year? Is that still the official Government target, considering that it is in the budget?

The question that Deputy Brennan has raised is somewhat different from that raised by Deputy Taylor. I think Deputy Brennan is referring to contingency planning on the part of the Minister for Finance and the Government. With all respect due to the Deputy whose concern in this matter is not doubted, that is different from the question Deputy Taylor asked me.

For the purposes of the House let me make it clear that there is a contingency plan at Government level to a total of 225,000.

No, that is not what I said. I said that the Minister for Finance has made provision in his Estimates, as any prudent Minister for Finance would.

That is a Government plan then?

Yes.