asked the Minister for Finance the role the Government envisage for the commercial State sector in job creation; the plans, if any, he has for the extension of the State sector into the productive area; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Job Creation for Commercial State Sector.
43.
The Government takes the view that the commercial State sector should continue to function as a dynamic force within the economy. The Government looks to this sector to play a major role in national development and in the generation of employment. Staffing and recruitment policies in each of the bodies concerned must, however, be determined in the light of the overriding need to contain costs and maximise efficiency.
The commercial State bodies can also make a major indirect contribution to job creation in the economy by improving their productivity and reducing their charges in real terms.
The Government has no proposals at present for the further extension of the State's involvement directly into the productive area.