Noel Ahern (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 146: To ask the Taoiseach if he will provide details of the trend in rate of unemployment, the percentage of work force unemployed since 1980; the year which had the highest rate; the rate in that year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35673/10]

John Curran (Dublin Mid West, Fianna Fail)
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The official source of unemployment estimates for the State is the Quarterly National Household Survey (QNHS). Estimates from the QNHS are available for each quarter since the first quarter of 1998, prior to that annual estimates of unemployment were available from the LFS on an annual basis. These estimates are based on internationally recognised standards for the measurement of the labour market status of individuals. These standards were developed by the International Labour Office (ILO) and allow comparison of key indicators in relation to the labour market for different countries. They also ensure that the measurement of unemployment is done on a consistent basis over time and thus an accurate trend is presented. Within the ILO framework a person is regarded as unemployed if they have not undertaken any paid work in the reference period and are actively seeking and available for employment.

As the ILO standards were only established in 1982 estimates of unemployment on an ILO basis are only available from 1983 on. Prior to 1983 estimates were based on respondents self-reported principle economic status (PES).

The highest unemployment rate recorded since 1980 was 17.1% in 1986.