asked the Minister for Labour if he will make a statement on the reported European Commission pressure for an alteration of the Employment Maintenance Scheme.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Employment Maintenance Scheme.
2.
The Government have decided to retain the scheme in operation for a further year and to extend it to the tableware section of the pottery industry. The conditions of the scheme as extended are at present the subject of discussion with the EEC Commission.
It would not be appropriate for me at this stage to make any further statement in the matter.
Is there any danger of the scheme being phased out or is there any pressure from the EEC in that direction?
The Deputy may take it that there is no danger of the scheme being phased out. As I said, the discussions are taking place at present on the conditions of the scheme and I would certainly hope that for the participants the conditions will be at least as good as last year.
Does the Minister accept that the scheme is as effective as it could be? Is there any possibility that an increase might be possible?
That question is not in order. The question relates to whether there is pressure from the EEC. The Deputy may not discuss the merits of the scheme.
It is a fact that the British give £20 a week under their employment maintenance schemes and that must militate——
That is a separate question.
Has the Minister raised with the EEC the fact that the British scheme is far more attractive than ours?
Deputies may not discuss the merits of the scheme on the question on the Order Paper.
The Deputies must be aware that there is some pressure on the British scheme and that certain changes are taking place. I would also add that our scheme was of tremendous benefit last year, and I would hope that its implementation this year will be of even greater benefit, and to more people.
Is there any pressure from the EEC on the Government not to increase the allowance?
I did say to the Deputy that I did not expect the applicants to be any worse off this year than they were last year under these conditions.
Taking account of inflation?