asked the Minister for Labour his policy in the area of job creation over the next 12 months; and the plans, if any, he has to reverse the present levels of unemployment either directly or indirectly to give hope to thousands of Irish workers for employment opportunities in Ireland, without emigrating.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Job Creation.
29.
Government policies and objectives in relation to job creation are set out in the plan, Building on Reality, 1985-87 and in the White Paper on Industrial Policy. The plan sets out the objectives and general economic framework while the White Paper on Industrial Policy sets out the broad industrial strategy. These policies are subject to ongoing evaluation review and, where considered appropriate, have been supplemented by the introduction of new measures as announced in the budget and in the Taoiseach's statement to this House on 23 October 1985.
The Government's policies are designed to generate as many jobs as possible by stimulating activity in the manufacturing, construction, tourism and services sectors.
Manpower policy, for which I have responsibility, is primarily intended to support and facilitate mainstream job creation measures by improving the technical competence and occupational mobility of the labour force through training and similar programmes. It contributes also to employment policy through the adoption of special interventions aimed at alleviating unemployment in the case of particularly vulnerable groups such as the long term unemployed, the educationally and socially deprived young people and the underprivileged.
Particular emphasis is placed on schemes which create permanent employment. These schemes include the employment incentive scheme, the enterprise allowance scheme, the youth self employment programme and the community enterprise programme.
In addition to the job creation schemes, other measures such as temporary employment schemes, work experience programmes and occupational training will continue to be a priority consideration. Many of these programmes and schemes are aimed at specific groups who have been hard hit by the recession with the express objective of affording them better access to the employment opportunities available. These schemes include the social employment scheme, the alternance scheme, the work experience programme, community workshops and the skills foundation programme.
The cumulative effect of all these employment and training programmes will be 45,000 man years. Other possible initiatives to assist the unemployed, particularly the long term unemployed, are being considered in the context of the White Paper on Manpower Policy.
The answers are becoming longer. I would not object to the same extension being applied in the case of the questions. I asked what proposals the Government have for job creation in 1986 and the Minister replied by listing the various schemes. In other words, whatever we had in 1985 is what we will have in 1986. Despite the fact that the figures in Building on Reality in respect of unemployment are now 30,000 more than the Government were allowing for in their plan, the Minister has not put forward proposals, constructive or otherwise, to deal with this problem or to create jobs. Despite also the statements from the Minister for the Environment and from the Taoiseach in October, no legislation has come before us yet with regard to proposals for investment in the areas outlined by the Taoiseach. Some of those who were interested in the emergence of such proposals have left the country, taking their business with them. The fact remains that the Government have no plans for job creation in 1986.
The question was directed to me as Minister for Labour though on 24 May last year the Deputy said that the matter of job creation was not specifically or uniquely the responsibility of my Department.
It does not seem to be the responsibility of anyone else in the Government either.
I have read out in detail a comprehensive reply to a wide ranging, question. If Deputy Ahern or any other member of his party is unhappy with any of the schemes that are currently providing employment and income for 45,000 people, he has an obligation to this House and to the taxpayers to identify the schemes he is unhappy with and which he considers should be terminated.
We are asking for the creation of jobs, not for courses and short term solutions.
Question Time has concluded.
Before the Order of Business, may I inquire as to the Private Notice question of which I gave notice?
That can be dealt with after the Order of Business when the Deputy would be more in order than he is now.
Does it relate to the local radio Bill?
Since Deputy Cluskey is in charge of that matter, I shall address any questions about it to him.