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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 15 Dec 1976

Vol. 295 No. 5

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Premium Employment Programme.

9.

asked the Minister for Labour the total number of persons re-employed under the premium employment programme to date; the number re-employed from its extension in June 1976 to date; and when it is intended to extend the governing legislation to allow the scheme to continue for a further period.

(Cavan): From the introduction on 29th June, 1975 of the premium employment programme to 29th November, 1976, 6,244 employees have been returned to full-time employment with the aid of the programme; of that number, 1,091 employees have been employed under the programme since its extension on 26th June, 1976.

No decision has yet been taken regarding an extension of the programme.

In view of the fact that the legislation governing this programme expires on the 8th January, and I assume the Dáil is adjourning for the Christmas recess tomorrow, has a decision now been taken not to extend this programme which itself is inadequate, but which is at least some contribution to getting people back to work?

(Cavan): As I said in my reply, no decision has yet been taken in relation to the extension of the programme, neither has any decision been taken not to extend it.

When will the decision be taken? Surely the Minister must realise that if that decision is not taken today and a Bill introduced here tomorrow it means that the existing legislation falls on the 8th January. I presume we are not coming back before the 8th January so the best we can hope for is a breakdown or has the Government decided that they will not even continue this very valuable scheme, limited though it may be?

(Cavan): It is a change of tune for the Deputy to say it is a valuable scheme. My recollection is that the Deputy did not give it a very warm reception when it was introduced.

I fully accept that the Minister would not be aware of what I did or did not say in this Bill. The Minister is not correct.

Order, order. We must have order during Question Time.

(Cavan): At any rate, I cannot put it further than that no decision has yet been taken regarding the extension of the scheme.

I wish to give notice of my intention to raise the subject matter of this question on the Adjournment on condition that the Minister for Labour is here to reply. If the Minister for Labour is not available, I will not raise it.

I will communicate with the Deputy.

(Cavan): As the Deputy knows, the Minister for Labour is busily engaged today on a matter which concerns the country and the House.

That is a job the Minister should have done last week.

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