asked the Minister for Economic Planning and Development if any consideration has been given to a statutory reduction in the working week as a means of providing additional employment.

2.

asked the Minister for Economic Planning and Development if any consideration has been given to a statutory reduction in the retirement age as a means of providing additional employment.

With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 1 and 2 together.

The changes mentioned by the Deputy are being looked at as part of the preparatory work on the proposed Green Paper on National Development which should be ready for publication in June. As indicated earlier, the intention is that the various options for employment in the Green Paper will provide a basis for subsequent discussion with the social partners.

Does the Minister accept that the Green Paper will be published in time to form part of the Adjournment Debate at the end of June?

That would be my wish, yes.

It will not be published only on 30 June after the Dáil has risen?

I would hope not. I hope there will be adequate time for Deputies to consider it.