Vol. 403 No. 5
2 Mr. Spring asked the Taoiseach if he will outline the measures the Government propose taking to comply with the commitment to effective policies to tackle unemployment contained in the declaration made at the Paris Conference on Security and Co-Operation in Europe.
I was happy to commit this country to the declaration of the Paris Conference on Security and Co-operation in Europe which states that we will promote social justice and progress and further the welfare of our peoples and that we recognise in this context the importance of effective measures to address the problems of unemployment.
The Programme for National Recovery provided the basic effective formula for creating employment. Under it, there was a net increase of some 70,000 jobs in private industry and services over a three year period. This contrasts with the previous six years when there was a net decrease of 38,000 jobs in private industry and services.
We are currently negotiating with the social partners a possible new programme for economic and social progress. If these negotiations are successful, we will be able to continue to have a competitive economy growing at a fast rate, the only basis on which employment can continue to expand as it has over the past three and a half years.
I am grateful to the Taoiseach for his elaboration in relation to the statement that was made in the House last week. It would appear from the Taoiseach's reply that the only plan that the Government have relates solely to the Programme for National Recovery and its continuation. Is it to be taken that after last week's CSCE meeting there are no plans for international co-operation in response to the serious unemployment situation in Europe? Likewise, in regard to the Programme for National Recovery and the continuation of that, I am sure the Taoiseach is aware that congress and the unions have stated that without tax reform there will not be a second programme. Can the Taoiseach assure this House that there will be tax reform in the forthcoming budget?
I do not wish to preempt the discussions at this stage, but the Deputy can be assured that every attempt will be made to reach agreement with the trade union partners.
On the other question, I would just mention to the Deputy that we have the National Development Plan and the Structural Funds, which is a major contributor to economic development and expansion in itself and from the point of view of making the economy more efficient, productive and competitive. There are not at this stage, though I would hope that they will evolve, any specific mechanisms or programmes under the CSCE process itself but as the Deputy knows, the CSCE process is now in a developing state and, as a result of the Paris Summit, we hope it will grow and evolve into many different areas. As yet, however, I would not think we could count on that particular process for employment generation either here or in Europe generally, except in so far as it will help to create the security and stability which are essential for employment creation.
Given the forecast by the ESRI in relation to growth for next year, can the Taoiseach inform the House if he now accepts that the job targets as set by the Government will seriously diminish on the basis of the ESRI targets and if the Government will be taking some steps as a consequence of the now perceived reduction in growth in the economy?
I think we should be careful about estimates of that kind. They are, after all, only estimates, no matter how well founded or scientifically based. Of course, our budgetary plans and our plans for a programme for economic and social progress will have to take all factors into account.
Let me ask the Taoiseach why he chose to take this question from Deputy Spring today which refers to matters arrising out the CSCE conference last week but has transferred Questions Nos. 6 and 32 to tomorrow, both in my name and also dealing with consequences of the CSCE?
I can assure the Deputy that there was nothing deliberate in that.
It is a written fact.
It is not that I am particularly in terrorem of the Deputy as distinct from Deputy Spring. I hope I would afford both Deputies equal courtesy. I will look into that.
The Taoiseach has not afforded me equal courtesy. These two questions were down to the Taoiseach and they have been transfered to the Department of Foreign Affairs, even though they both deal with the same subject as Deputy Spring's question.
The Deputy is bringing in a totally unrelated matter. I am calling on Deputy Roger Garland.
I want to make a point, if you would not mind, Sir. Let me again emphasise the unsatisfactory nature of the Taoiseach's Department which frequently transfer questions for which he has responsibility.
Deputy Barry, there are other ways of raising such matters.
I have tried other ways and they were not successful.
I have called Deputy Garland.
Let me reply to that point. My Department and other Departments follow well established procedures and precedent in that regard and I have said here on a number of occasions that I, as Taoiseach, consistently accept far more questions than any of my predecessors have ever done. I would also like to make the point that these precedures and this precedent is very necessary otherwise, quite understandably, the Taoiseach would find himself answering every question for every Minister.
I am sorry, this may not go on.
I think I am entitled to say the Taoiseach has not done that in this case. He has taken one question from one Deputy——
I have allowed this extraneous matter to come into Question Time. It is not in order.
Would the Taoiseach not agree that the only way to make a really substantial cut in unemployment is to enter into immediate negotiations with both sides of industry for a five year Government plan to reduce working hours and introduce job sharing?
This is a widening of the matter.
The Deputy should recall that the first programme for economic development included a reduction in working hours from 40 to 39 and that is a continuing process. The whole purpose and elaboration of the programme is, of course, to provide employment.
I understand the Taoiseach's reticence about accepting the forecast announced by the ESRI in relation to the growth in the economy, but if there is a reticence, does that figure now concur with the Government's own figures or are the Government now projecting a different figure for growth in the economy next year?
We will bring forward our own estimate in due course. The Deputy will also realise from his own experience in these matters that growth targets could be affected by budget policy.
