asked the Taoiseach the number on the live register at Drogheda employment exchange, County Louth, at the latest date for which figures are available; and for the same date in 1982.

(Dún Laoghaire): The number of persons on the live register at Drogheda employment exchange on 28 September 1984 was 2,939. The corresponding figure on 24 September 1982 was 2,101.

Is the Minister aware that the Coalition parties before the general election of November 1982 promised more jobs for Drogheda and a reduction in the numbers of unemployed people there?

I have only to draw the Deputy's attention to the fact——

In view of the fact that there are now 829 more people unemployed will the Minister agree that the Government have let Drogheda down very badly?

Ceist 11.

Would the Minister please reply?

(Dún Laoghaire): As an ex-Ceann Comhairle the Deputy will recognise that he must obey the Chair.

Let me ask a question which is related to statistics. Is the Minister aware that on page 25, paragraph 1.26 of the Government document Building on Reality it is stated that the underlying increase in numbers out of work has slowed steadily since early 1983? In view of the fact that this certainly does not apply to Drogheda——

We will have two weeks to debate it.

——would the Minister agree that it is time that the Government came to the assistance of Drogheda in relation to these exceptional unemployment figures there?

Uimhir 11.

It is incredible that the Minister will not reply.

I am surprised at Deputy Faulkner. I would not permit the Minister to reply.

(Dún Laoghaire): I am sure that if the Deputy puts down a question to the appropriate Minister he will get a reply.

Let me tell the Minister through the Chair that I will.