asked the Minister for Finance if the Government have any specific proposals to reduce the number of unemployed; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Reduction of Unemployment.
6.
I would refer the Deputy to the Government's national plan Building on Reality, 1985-1987 which contains the policies and measures necessary to secure over the plan period the maximum sustainable increases in employment with consequent reductions in unemployment.
In addition the plan announced the introduction of two new special employment schemes: the social employment scheme, details of which were announced at the end of last week and the alternance scheme. Both of these augment the many existing special employment measures such as the enterprise allowance scheme.
In view of the fact that the unemployment figure in Kerry now stands at 22 per cent, would the Minister consider classifying Kerry as a disaster area in need of special consideration? Would he consider setting up a task force similar to that set up for Cork during the last year?
That is a separate question.
Would the Minister classify the whole country as a disaster area?
Including Tipperary.
Yes, including Tipperary.