: Will the Minister tell the House the total number of jobs filled in the past 12 months arising specifically from the 1978 budget?

: That is the basis of the question and the Deputy might wait until he sees the answer.

: Surely the total is available in the tabular statement?

: I am afraid it is not possible to answer the question as put by the Deputy because he is referring to the total number of jobs created in the past 12 months as a result of this year's budget. It is not possible to answer that question because the budget was introduced at the end of January or at the beginning of February.

: I shall await the Official Report to read the tabular statement. Perhaps the Minister would tell the House if he has been in a position to segregate the extent of job-creation in the public sector—specifically the public service—arising from the specific provisions in the 1977 budget, for example, the health services, and the aggregate arising from the 1978 budget? Is that contained in the tabular statement?

: Yes. I think I can say it is. I am just glancing at the tabular statement now but I think that it is contained in it.

: Is the Minister embarrassed by the figure?

: No, not in the least. I am very happy with it.

: Why does he not give the figure to the House?