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.