Vol. 423 No. 2
8 Mrs. T. Ahearn asked the Minister for Labour if he will outline the number of jobs created by the private sector in 1991; whether he has satisfied himself with this number; if he had any discussions with the Federation of Irish Employers or the Confederation of Irish Industry regarding their contribution towards job creation; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
It is not possible to provide employment statistics in relation to the calendar year 1991. The annual labour force survey, which is the primary source of information in relation to jobs' levels, covers a 12 month period from April to April. The CSO fieldwork for the survey for the year to mid-April 1992 has concluded and the preliminary results should be available within a few weeks.
Since 1987, Government policy in relation to job creation has been based on the conviction that national development requires a consensus approach by all participants in the economic arena. To this end, two national programmes have been negotiated with the social partners to achieve stated economic and social goals including specific job-creation targets. Both the Federation of Irish Employers and the Confederation of Irish Industry were parties to these programmes.
Under the current programme the aim is to create 20,000 new jobs each year in manufacturing and international services. In addition, 15,000 new jobs will be created in the economy under the tourism element of the programme.
Since 1988, the overall level of employment has increased by 34,000 and employment in the private non-agricultural sector by about 45,000. Despite difficult conditions last year, indications are that the overall level of employment has held up very well and that the increase in non-agricultural employment should accelerate slightly in 1993.
I have regular contact with members of the FIE and CII and, on a more formal level, the central review committee routinely monitor the progress of the Programme for Economic and Social Progress and receive reports from the task force on employment. Recently, the central review committee set up a number of working groups with the general aim of increasing employment.
The continuing high levels of unemployment are of concern to us all and the need for a broad-based approach involving employers, workers, community and local bodies together with State agencies and the Oireachtas has been recognised. For my own part, I try to impress on all, including employer bodies, the contribution they can make to achieve an increase in employment. In relation to employers, I would appeal for greater participation in the job training and employment subsidy schemes. Employer bodies were fully involved in the formulation of both these schemes.
Will the Minister agree that it must be profitable for an employer to provide a job? Will he accept that in the present economic climate the cost of PRSI and insurance means that it does not pay people to provide extra employment? Does the Minister, or the Government, have any plans to create a more friendly employment environment?
Job creation is outside my area of responsibility and the Deputy can direct her remarks to the Minister for Industry and Commerce. The Minister for Finance is at present preparing a Finance (No. 2) Bill in which he is attempting to increase the level of investment which will be available for the productive sector of the economy, which, as the Deputy said, is the only way in which viable, long term employment can be created.
