Vol. 428 No. 1
2 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Taoiseach when the most recent meeting of the central review committee of the Programme for Economic and Social Progress took place; the agenda for the meeting; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The most recent meeting of the central review committee under the Programme for Economic and Social Progress was held on 18 February. The agenda for this meeting included new initiatives and strategies on employment, a draft progress report on the Programme for Economic and Social Progress, the Programme for a Partnership Government 1993-1997, the national development plan for EC Structural Funds and the area-based strategy-county enterprise boards. There was a useful exchange of views on these issues and the committee will meet again on 25 March 1993.
Was the projected increase of 25,000 in the number of unemployed, as forecast by the Minister for Finance, discussed at that meeting? Did the trade union movement express their disquiet at this throwing in of the towel? Is it accepted officially that the projected increase in unemployment for 1993 will be 25,000?
The unemployment situation is of serious concern to both the social partners and the Government. The Deputy can be assured that all aspects of unemployment were discussed at that meeting. The Programme for a Partnership Government, the forthcoming national development plan for EC Structural Funds, the area based strategy-county enterprise boards and all aspects of unemployment were discussed. We discussed ways of tackling the very serious unemployment problem. The Deputy can be assured that the unemployment problem is of concern to all of us.
Was the sale of undisclosed State assets discussed at the meeting?
A review of all aspects of the programme is made at intervals. We do not go into specific areas of discussion.
Did the central review committee discuss the decision of the Minister for Enterprise and Employment to withdraw the community enterprise development programme, which has had a very serious effect on the partnerships set up under the Programme for Economic and Social Progress? I understand — although it is not very clear as there has been no written confirmation — the Minister varied his decision subsequently. Will the Taoiseach explain precisely what is going on in this regard?
The Deputy should put down a separate question on that matter, but he can be assured that the partnership companies are continuing.
It is a question that should be discussed by the body.
Will the Taoiseach indicate when the new initiatives on employment which he referred to are likely to be announced? Will he indicate also if the social partners at the meeting in question agreed to the Government's proposal for a separate national economic and social forum? Finally, will the Taoiseach indicate if that forum will be in place in time to enable it to have a realistic input to the Government's development plan before that plan is submitted to the European Community?
The matter was raised as part of the overall programme for Government. The National Economic and Social Forum will be set up at the earliest possible opportunity and will make its own contribution in regard to preparing initiatives and possible solutions to the unemployment position.
Did they say they would take part in it?
Did the Central Review Committee discuss the negative impact on employment of the 1 per cent employment levy imposed in the budget and was any consideration given in this year's Finance Bill to a reduction in the level of PRSI for either employers or employees?
The Deputy is raising special matters which are appropriate to special questions. He should ask appropriate questions.
It is reasonable that I should ask the Taoiseach if this matter was discussed as I have reason to believe it may have been. Will the Taoiseach clarify whether it was discussed?
The Deputy will be aware that the meeting of the social partners took place on 18 February, in advance of the budget.
May I refer the Taoiseach to the section of the Programme for Economic and Social Progress that relates to pay bargaining in the public service? Was that matter on the agenda for the meeting with the social partners?
As a former trade unionist I am sure the Deputy will appreciate that that is a matter for discussion between a section of Congress and the Department of Finance.
The Taoiseach referred to the county enterprise boards as being one of the matters discussed. When does he expect those boards to be established?
The Minister for Enterprise and Employment is dealing with that matter. It is within his area of responsibility, and I am sure that if the Deputy tables a question to the Minister he will get a more exact timetable.
