Vol. 431 No. 8
102 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Enterprise and Employment the unemployment estimates he is making for the end of 1993; the way in which the programme of action will impact on unemployment during the rest of 1993; and when he will be in a position to take a strong initiative for the long term unemployed.
I indicated in the House on 18 May 1993 that the Programme for a Partnership Government sets out the steps that this Government is taking to improve employment and employment opportunities. I also referred to the response of the Government to the Culliton report in "Employment through Enterprise" which is directed at introducing structural changes which will make it more efficient and more attractive for firms to do more business. It is only by doing more business and by doing it more successfully that firms can expand the numbers they employ. The County Enterprise Partnership Boards when established will further facilitate small business development.
However, it has to be recognised that it will take time for the measures being implemented by the Government to improve the competitive base of the Irish economy and to be translated into additional employment opportunities.
In so far as the long term unemployed are concerned the main intervention is the Social Employment Scheme and the Community Employment Development Programme which will provide opportunities for an average of 15,500 long term unemployed persons during 1993 compared with 12,000 in 1992.
It may be possible to increase participation levels still further next year subject to the Social Employment Scheme being eligible for European Community Funding under the Community Support Framework for 1994 to 1999 and to the general budgetary position.
