asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the precise number of extra jobs created in the food industry since 30 May 1987, by reference to (a) the total number employed in the food industry at that date and (b) the total number employed in the industry at 30 May 1988; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Food Industry Jobs.
28.
Statistics of employment are published quarterly by the CSO. The number employed in the food industry for the quarter ending June 1987 was 37,900. The estimated employment in December 1987 was 36,800 which is the latest figure available. The figures for May 1988 are not available. The drop in employment numbers may be due in part to seasonal fluctuations as well as to the implementation of rationalisation plans in the dairy and meat sectors in particular. In addition, many companies now take services on a contract basis where formerly they provided such services within the company. This results in higher employment in the services sector and a corresponding fall in CSO statistics for the food industry.