andMr. J. Ryan asked the Minister for Labour when he proposes to extend the employment incentive scheme to service industries.

I September I announced that I had decided to extend the employment incentive scheme to employments in the hotel and catering industry, the services sector and the building and construction industry.

Discussions have been taking place between officials of my Department and both sides of the relevant industries regarding the application of the scheme to them and I hope to be is a position to announce the final details very shortly.

Could the Minister say what he means by "very shortly"? Would it be a matter of weeks or months?

I will try to be as helpful as I can. I hope that the final detailed proposals will be sent to the Department of Finance for approval during the coming week, so it will be a matter of only a few weeks.

Will the Minister use his influence with that Department to ensure that there will be no delay there?

I will. For the Deputy's information, it is my intention that the scheme for the hotel and catering industry sector will be retrospective to 1st September and the services and building sector scheme will be retrospective to approximately mid-September.

Would the Minister agree to extend this premium to the employment of disabled persons in all forms of employment?

That is a separate question.

It may be separate but it is useful.

Disabled persons are include under this scheme. With the extension of the scheme it will cover the services sector, the building sector, the hotel catering and tourism sector in addition to the manufacturing and agricultural industries where they are already operate.

Will the Minister look at this question in relation to all levels of employment? When this is finalised some sections of employment might possibly be excluded. Would the Minister have particular consideration for disabled persons?

I will keep the Deputy's views in mind.