asked the Minister for Finance if under the terms of the recently negotiated National Understanding provision has been made for the setting up and funding of a tripartite committee along the lines agreed in the 1979 agreement.

Paragraph 8 of the second National Understanding for Economic and Social Development states:

The Tripartite Standing Committee on Employment as constituted under the 1979 National Understanding will monitor progress towards the achievement of the commitment on employment. The Committee will meet regularly and will be supplied by the Government with regular reports on progress.

The Committee will also:

(a) assess the effectiveness of existing mechanisms for anticipating redundancies and recommend improvements where appropriate;

(b) consider and make recommendations on any anticipated developments which might significantly affect employment and unemployment levels; and

(c) in monitoring employment developments, identify measures for improving the relevant data.

These are broadly similar to the terms of reference given to the Tripartite Standing Committee on Employment in the 1979 understanding. The second national understanding also provides for a Government contribution to a new employment guarantee fund.

Is it not obvious that what Deputy Deasy had in mind is the question of whether the Government are setting aside the same amount as they did under the previous national understanding?

If that is the purpose of the Deputy's question it was answered some months ago when the Government indicated the provision of a contribution.

Is such a fund to be set up?

There is no further provision in the estimate for 1980. There has to be agreement between the parties.

Is there a provision?

Yes. I indicated that at the time.