asked the Minister for Labour how it is intended to select and train 800 part-time physical education teachers as proposed by the Employment Action Team; and when it is intended that this will be carried out.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Physical Education Teachers.
4.
The proposal in question from the Employment Action Team is being examined by the Minister for Health in the context of possible wider proposals for community health generally.
I understood there was to be an allocation of £20 million to youth employment. It seems to have evaporated to approximately £5 million. Will the Minister tell the House the precise functions of these people? How are they to be trained? How are they to operate in an area of high unemployment, as we have in this city? Are they intended to go into Ballymun and Ballyfermot and bring out unemployed people on jogging sessions in the Phoenix Park?
I should like to deal with the first part of the Deputy's question. He referred to £20 million. I should like to remind the House that other schemes giving employment to young people have been approved in the public sector. This is only part of the £20 million he has mentioned. With regard to the second part of his question, the only proposal for which money has not yet been provided is with the Minister for Health and it is being reviewed in the context of his overall health programme.
I welcome the policy which the Minister for Health is pursuing of sport for all. Does the Minister not agree there is a high percentage of temporary employment within these opportunities? I do not call them jobs. When the people are selected finally and are trained, how many permanent jobs will be created within the 800?
I agree entirely that there are temporary jobs involved. It was always made clear by me and by all our spokesmen that our unemployment situation is so serious that it must be considered in a dual way. The most desirable aim is to create permanent employment but because of the seriousness of youth unemployment short-term measures must be taken to tide us over this period of high unemployment.
Will the Minister not agree that not only are young people entitled to jobs but that jobs suitable to their aspirations should be provided where possible?
That is a separate question. I am calling Question No. 5.