asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he is satisfied with the present system of employment exchanges and if he will make a statement on the matter.

26.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare if it is intended to carry out a review of employment exchanges to determine if they are fulfilling the role for which they were created.

With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 25 and 26 together.

The employment exchanges, which were originally created to provide an employment service, are now intended, since the transfer of the employment function to the National Manpower Service, to provide an adequate service in the administration of the schemes of unemployment benefit and assistance for which my Department is responsible. Together with their affiliated branch offices, the exchanges form a network of over 120 offices situated at suitable points throughout the country. Their efficacy is kept under continuous review and I propose to provide additional exchanges in suitable areas in the Dublin suburbs in the near future.

Would the Minister consider housing in the main employment exchanges, such as those in Dublin, offices of the National Manpower Service and AnCO? Would he consider recommending that to the Minister for Labour so that the unemployed people might have ready access to these offices for advice on employment and training? Would the Minister think there is any logic in that?

The thinking is different. When the National Manpower Service was set up it was decided deliberately to take it away from employment exchanges.

Does the Minister agree that the National Manpower Service is there to provide jobs?

Yes.

Would the Minister agree that those attending employment exchanges are those needing jobs?

Yes.

Would the Minister not try to link them together?

No. I recall the discussions at the time of the setting up of the National Manpower Service and some considerable importance was attached to having them in separate places.

Would the Minister not agree that the people attending there find it a little degrading to have to attend but the fact that the offices of the National Manpower Service and AnCO are in the same building would, psychologically, be better for the people?

The Deputy had better take that up with my colleague, the Minister for Labour. However, I am aware that the decision to have them in separate places was a deliberate one.

The Minister has more access to the Minister for Labour and I would be obliged if he would consider discussing it with him again.

It is a case which will have to be argued but I do not think it is one which can be argued at Question Time.

Perhaps in the planning of the new exchanges in the Dublin suburbs the Minister might have consultations with his colleague with a view to housing the National Manpower Service in conjunction with the exchanges?

As the Deputy is aware my primary anxiety is to get the employment exchanges in the suburbs as quickly as possible. I should like to take this opportunity of thanking the Deputy for his generous support and co-operation in another capacity in helping me with this programme. It would be a major reversal of policy to include the National Manpower Service in the employment exchanges. It is not something I would be prepared to give an answer about across the House.

Has the Minister sought the advice of the managers of the exchanges?

We cannot spend the afternoon on exchanges. We must move on.

27.