Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
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Question 64: To ask the Minister for Finance his views on the latest quarterly national household survey which indicates a 104% year on year rise in unemployment to the end of March 2009 and that the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate is at its highest level since 1997; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27976/09]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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Quarterly national household survey data show that in the first quarter of this year, economy-wide employment fell by 158,500 on an annual basis, a fall of 7.5 per cent. Seasonally adjusted unemployment was 223,000 in the first quarter, compared with 110,000 in the same period last year. The unemployment rate stood at 10.2 per cent in the first quarter.

There is no question that the deterioration in the labour market is of major concern. As I have said before, the most worrying aspect of the current economic difficulties is the rapid rise in unemployment.

In this regard, the Government is continuing to pursue policies that will limit the loss in employment and position the economy to take advantage of the upturn in world growth. For instance, we have brought in additional fiscal measures in order to maintain the public finances on a sustainable path. This will help restore international confidence in Ireland as a place to invest. We are working to improve competitiveness, through investing in infrastructure and in education and skills, maintaining the pro-enterprise tax system and research and development supports, thereby preparing the climate for future activity. The Government has also taken measures to get credit flowing, while we are ensuring that those losing their jobs have access to re-training.