asked the Minister for Labour if he will give in man-years for 1978 the number of jobs created under the following schemes (1) the employment incentive scheme, (2) the work experience programme, (3) the community youth training programme, and (4) any other job creation schemes under the aegis of his Department.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Job Creation.
5.
The employment incentive scheme was in operation for the whole of 1978. Premiums were paid in respect of 10,410 employees, representing 5,200 man-years approximately.
The work experience programme was launched at the end of September 1978. Up to 31 December 1978, 1,685 young people had participated in the programme, representing 225 man-years.
The community youth training programme operated throughout the year and the number trained under the programme was 1,802, representing 750 man-years approximately.
The Ballyfermot census provided 147 man-weeks of employment.
Can the Minister tell us what a man-year is and what is the difference between it and a job?
I referred to the example of 1,685 young people participating in the work experience programme. They came in at the end of September and, equated to the number at work in a full year, the figure would have been 225.
The Minister said that as a result of the employment incentive scheme, employment representing 5,200 man-years had been created. A figure of 975 represents all other schemes. Does the Minister not agree that that is a disgraceful performance?
The Deputy asked me about specific schemes and I have answered him. I should also remind the Deputy that the number of extra posts created in my Department in 1978 was 113 and 96 of those appointments were made for the NMS. A major contributor to the success of the employment incentive scheme has been the appointment of extra placement officers.
Apart from what the Minister has told us, have any other jobs been created under the aegis of his Department by any other schemes?
I referred to the jobs in the Department. The Deputy is well aware that the environmental work schemes, the education schemes and so on are operated by the Departments concerned.
Is the Minister satisfied that the creation of 978 man-years by schemes introduced by him is a serious contribution to the employment creation programme?
Let me try to explain to the Deputy that there are many other schemes of which he is well aware.
Would the Minister tell me about them?
The work experience programme, which was launched in late September 1978, has been an outstanding success. The uptake at the end of December was 1,685. The man-year calculation could obviously only be done from the end of September onwards. That is just one explanation for the Deputy.
I am calling Question No. 6.
I have asked the Minister a question and he has not answered it. Is he satisfied that his Department have made a serious contribution——
The Deputy has asked that question six times.