asked the Minister for Labour the number of extra jobs provided as a result of the premium employment programme; and if he considers it desirable to extend the scope of the scheme to building and other industries.
47.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Premium Employment Scheme.
46.
asked the Minister for Labour the number of persons employed as a result of the premium employment scheme up to 30th September, 1975, in (a) manufacturing industry and (b) agriculture.
48.
asked the Minister for Labour the number of employers who have availed of the premium employment scheme since its inception in (a) manufacturing industry and (b) agriculture.
49.
asked the Minister for Labour the number of applications from the agricultural sector received by his Department for approval under the employment premium scheme; and the number of extra people in this sector who are likely to be employed as a result of this scheme.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle I propose to take Questions Nos. 46, 47, 48 and 49 together.
Since the introduction of the premium employment programme applications have been received from 120 employers in manufacturing industry and nine employers in agriculture. So far a total of 2,467 have been returned to full-time employment with the aid of the programme.
My Department are at present engaged in discussions with representatives of the building and of other industries who are seeking the extension of the scope of the programme. I will consider the matter fully when these discussions have been concluded.
Consideration is at present being given to the programme's extension to industries not previously covered. Meetings are taking place with interests concerned.
The remaining questions will appear on tomorrow's Order Paper.