4 Mr. O'Leary asked the Taoiseach the number of persons registered as unemployed in each town in County Kerry on the latest date for which figures are available and on the same date in 1996. [5931/97]

Definitive statistics on the level of unemployment are based on the labour force survey. Unfortunately, labour force survey results are not available for towns or catchment areas of social welfare offices. The monthly live register figures include data on claimants of unemployment benefit, unemployment assistance and other registrants classified by the local office of registration. The live register is, howver, not an accurate indicator of the level of unemployment. I propose to circulate in the Official Report a table setting out the number on the live register at each social welfare local office in County Kerry at end January 1996 and 1997.

*Kenmare office re-opened in July 1996.

Will the Minister ask the Taoiseach and the Minister for Enterprise and Employment to set up a special task force to provide the necessary expertise to voluntary organisations in Killarney and south Kerry, including Killarney Urban District Council, to enable them to promote industry and provide employment in Killarney, Kenmare and other towns in south Kerry?

I want to help Deputy O'Leary, but his question is essentially statistical and matters of policy ought not, therefore, arise.

The question deals with the serious unemployment position in Killarney and other towns in south Kerry.

There are other ways of raising that matter.

It is well known that unemployment has increased rapidly in Killarney, Kenmare and other towns in south Kerry.

The Deputy should raise that matter at another time in another way.

Will the Minister respond to my question?

The Deputy's question is purely statistical and, in accordance with the procedures of this House, matters of policy do not arise now.