asked the Minister for Labour the action he proposes to take by way of response to the most recent British measures to subsidise industrial employment.

: Under the employment incentive scheme premiums of £20 and £14 per week for 24 weeks are payable in respect of additional employees recruited by industry. With regard to the clothing and footwear industries and certain sectors of the textiles industry I would refer the Deputy to the announcement in the budget statement of the intention to introduce an employment maintenance scheme under which payments of £5 per week are to be made in respect of workers in eligible firms in these industries. A draft of the scheme is at present with the EEC authorities. The scheme will have effect from 3 April 1978 and first payments will be made in July 1978.

The effects of the British measures on employment in Irish industry and the effectiveness of our own schemes will be carefully watched.

: I have four or five questions on this matter, which I hope the Ceann Comhairle will allow me.

: One at a time, please.