asked the Minister for Labour if the extension of the Employment Incentive Scheme to the building industry has led to any increase in the numbers employed attributable to the extension; and if he will furnish an estimate of such numbers.

From 1 January to 10 February 1978 applications under the Employment Incentive Scheme involving 229 additional employees in the building industry were received.

The scheme, as extended, provides for payment of premiums for full-time eligible employees recruited into insurable employment in the building industry on or after 12 September 1977 who represent an increase in the current workforce against a base level defined in the scheme. Broadly speaking, the level of employment in the first week of September 1977 is taken as the base for the purpose of the scheme as it applies to the building industry.

Do I understand from the Minister's reply that the net result so far of the introduction of this scheme is 280 applications? Am I correct?

No. The Deputy has not got the correct figure. As the Deputy is aware, extensions of the scheme applies to the building industry, the services sector and the hotel and catering industries. While the decision was announced at the end of September, because of the practical difficulties regarding introduction of the regulations and so on, application forms and details of the scheme were available in December. In the building trade alone since December the number of applicants cover 229 additional employees as distinct from the others.

Is it applications received or people who have been employed?

Applications in respect of employees in the building industry have been made in respect of 229 workers who have been employed. The indications in respect of extension of the scheme to the three categories I mentioned are very encouraging. On my recent visit to the National Manpower Service office in O'Connell Bridge House—the first ministerial visit to that office since it was opened—I was informed it was the first time there had been a worth-while interest in the scheme in the Dublin area.

I am glad the Minister received a welcome in that office. Am I correct in thinking that the net result of the introduction of the scheme is the receipt of 229 applications which have yet to be processed to see if they qualify under the scheme?

The Deputy has already asked the question.

The Deputy is referring to the building industry only?

Yes.

From his previous experience I am sure the Deputy is aware that he is talking about the quietest months and a period when employment is low in the building sector. This period extends up to mid-February——

Will the Minister state how many applications have been approved?

That is a separate question. I am calling Question No. 5.

I think it arises on this question. Will the Minister tell us if any application has been approved?

The Chair has ruled that the Deputy is asking a separate question.

Is it not a fact that not one has been approved?

That is not so.

I have called the next question.

The last part of Question No. 4 asked the Minister if he would furnish an estimate of the extra numbers employed. We had a reply which gave us the number of applications. Obviously the Minister cannot say in a reliable way how many will be processed and approved, but can he give us an estimate of how many he expects to be employed in the building industry?

The Chair has no function in the matter of replies given by Ministers. I have called the next question.