Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 111: To ask the Taoiseach the number of unemployed persons registered in the State. [18662/05]

Tom Kitt (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)
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Labour force indicators such as employment and unemployment are measured by the quarterly national household survey. The latest figures available are for September to November 2004. The number of unemployed persons in the State as requested by the Deputy is 85,600.

The live register analysis measures the number of persons registered for unemployment benefits at the local offices of the Department of Social and Family Affairs. The latest figures available are for April 2005 and these show that there are 151,619 persons registered.

The live register is not designed to measure unemployment. It includes part-time workers, or those who work up to three days a week, seasonal workers and casual workers entitled to unemployment assistance or benefit.