With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle I would like to take Questions Nos. 9 and 10 together.
The latest available data on employment in manufacturing industry relates to June 1978 when the increase in employment over the corresponding period of last year was 4,700. This was a significant improvement on the outturn in March 1978. The year-on-year increase at the end of 1978 is expected to be about 7,000. While this is less than previous expectations it compares favourably with past experience and has made a significant contribution to meeting the overall job requirements. As such it forms a firm base for achieving an increased level of job creation in the manufacturing sector in 1979 and 1980.
The policy measures taken by the Government have led to a sharp increase in overall economic activity in 1978 and this has created an economic environment favourable to the expansion of private industry. This should form the basis for a greater contribution from the manufacturing sector to the overall job targets in 1979 and 1980. Moreover, the high level of job approvals by the IDA in recent years is expected to lead to a significant increase in the number of jobs created in new projects in coming years.
The forthcoming White Paper on National Development will review the potential and outline the Government's policies for future development in the industrial sector.