asked the Minister for Labour if he will consider the formulation of an interdepartmental committee with a view to transferring funds from the Department of Social Welfare to the Department of the Environment, for works to be carried out by people who are at present unemployed and while losing their unemployment status would be paid from the transferred fund since the difference in average social welfare benefits taking everything into account — medical services, low rent, child services, no income tax, PAYE or PRSI and the average wage earners income is very small and since there is an enormous amount of work to be carried out on our environment.
Written Answers. - Employment Proposals.
504.
I am at present developing a range of proposals for providing work for the unemployed and, particularly, the long-term unemployed.
I propose consulting with other relevant Government Departments in the matter at an early date. Work on the environment would be considered in this context. I should point out, however, that the form of employment referred to in the Deputy's question is significantly more expensive than the cost of unemployment payments.
The Deputy will be interested to note that the Government, on the recommendation of the Government Task Force on Employment, have decided to extend the enterprise allowance scheme to provide for the capitalisation of pay-related unemployment benefit where deemed necessary and subject to certain conditions.