asked the Minister for Finance if the reappraisal of employment targets over the next decade to which the Taoiseach referred on 9th February, 1971, is at present taking place; if so, by whom it is being conducted; and when its findings will be published.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Employment Targets.
8.
In so far as the Deputy's question assumes that employment targets for the next decade exist, it is based on a misunderstanding. Specific targets for the growth of employment up to the end of 1972 were put forward by the Government in the Third Programme but not for any period beyond that. These targets and the policies related to them are a step towards the ultimate goal of full employment, but as stated in the programme, much more will have to be done before full employment can be reached. It is too soon at this stage to try to settle the precise form of the action required or to quantify its likely results; these are matters to be considered in drawing together policies for the period after the Third Programme.
The Taoiseach's reference on 9th February was to the review of the Third Programme which is at present taking place and which was also the subject of a reply by me to Deputy Kavanagh and Deputy Dr. O'Connell on the same day. This review is being conducted by the Departments concerned and will be published before the Budget as stated in my reply.