Public-sector jobs created by budget measures
Desmond asks how many jobs arose from the 1978 budget and whether the tabular statement separates public-sector jobs attributable to the 1977 and 1978 budgets. Colley says the 12-month total cannot be attributed to the 1978 budget because it was introduced only at the start of the year, but believes the breakdown is in the table; he does not give a figure.
: Will the Minister tell the House the total number of jobs filled in the past 12 months arising specifically from the 1978 budget?
Comment on this
: That is the basis of the question and the Deputy might wait until he sees the answer.
Comment on this
: 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.
Comment on this
: 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?
Comment on this
: 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.
