asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce the number of jobs which were lost in industry in the period from 1980 to 1985.

Limerick East): Based on figures published by the Central Statistics Office, employment in manufacturing industries declined as follows during the period 1980 to 1985: 1980, 6,200; 1981, 2,700; 1982, 11,500; 1983, 10,900; 1984, 6,100; 1985, 5,700. The figure for 1985 is still provisional. Gross job loss figures are not published by the CSO.

Will the Minister indicate what job losses are likely to occur during the current year?

(Limerick East): There are always job losses in sectors whether it is a good year for employment or a bad year. The figure for 1985 is still provisional and I cannot help the Deputy with regard to the 1986 figure at this stage.

Will the Minister state if the figures quoted are net figures or are they gross losses? Have the figures taken into account the number of jobs created?

(Limerick East): They are the net figures.

Will the Minister indicate what are the gross figures?

(Limerick East): As I said in my reply, gross job loss figures are not published by the CSO.