Vol. 489 No. 2
69 Proinsias De Rossa asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when it is expected to complete the national employment action plan, arising from the EU jobs summit in Luxembourg in November 1997; when the plan will be published; the organisations or bodies which have been consulted in relation to the plan ; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7577/98]
73 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she will be in a position to announce the national employment action plan as scheduled on 15 April 1998; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7690/98]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 69 and 73 together.
Ireland's national employment action plan is being prepared on foot of intensive discussion, policy review, and inputs involving my Department, other Government Departments, and other relevant agencies. Consultations are also taking place with the social partners. The objectives it sets out are ambitious but, I believe, realisable. Simply put, we want to increase overall employment and to bring into the mainstream of the labour market those currently excluded.
We are on course to finalise the plan for submission to the European Commission by the due date of 15 April. We will also be publishing it and laying it before the Houses of the Oireachtas at the same time.
