asked the Minister for Labour when the Employment Action Team are scheduled to publish their report; and his policy on the future of this committee.

3.

asked the Minister for Labour if it is his intention to wind up the Employment Action Team.

With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Question Nos. 2 and 3 together. The Employment Action Team report to me on any proposals they develop in relation to youth employment. The team submitted their first set of proposals to me some time ago and the Government later took a decision on them. An outline of the proposals was given in the budget statement and has been included in other statements since then. Formal publication of the team's proposals will be considered.

The team have other proposals under consideration at present. Apart from developing and putting forward proposals, however, the team were also given the function of monitoring progress in the implementation of schemes which are approved. The team will, therefore, continue in operation as long as is necessary.

This team have become a monstrous charade. Back in August the Minister said the emphasis would be on action but after six months not one job has been created, and in view of a resignation and impending resignation from the team because of dissatisfaction at the lack of action, would the Minister agree it is nonsense and that one person could achieve much more?

To put the records of the House straight I should say that if there has been a resignation from the team it was for reasons other than suggested by the Deputy. It was in the interest of the continued satisfactory operation of the team.

Will the Minister tell us why the proposals from the team have remained on the Cabinet agenda for the past four months without a decision?

Was the Deputy here for my first reply? I gave that answer in reply to the first question.

It was that there have not been any jobs.

Will the Minister tell us if the Cabinet have taken a decision in recent weeks on any proposal from the team? My understanding is that the proposals are on the agenda at Cabinet level but that no decision has been taken.

Would the Minister not tell the House that several members of the team have come to the conclusion that it is only a cosmetic exercise and a pretence on the part of the Government to which members of the team do not any longer wish to contribute?

I am sure the Deputy is aware that £5 million was provided in the budget for youth employment schemes. Is the Deputy objecting to the provision of money for that purpose?

I am objecting to the hoodwinking of the public.