asked the Minister for the Environment the number of people employed in 1980 and 1981 to date under the environmental works schemes.

Presumably the question relates to the environmental improvement schemes programme. Under this programme 470 man-years of employment were provided in 1980. It is too early yet to indicate the figure for employment in 1981.

In view of the benefits of this programme, is it the Minister's intention to continue with this programme?

I would hope so.

Could the Minister be more definite?

I would like to be more definite. The Deputy's concern would weigh much heavier with me if he had provided in the Estimates, when he was in charge of the Department, sufficient funds for this year.

The Minister is aware that there was, and is, money available in this year's Estimate. Will he assure the House that this money will not be taken and that the programme will continue this year and next year?

The money provided in the Estimate is precisely half that provided in 1980.

That was not the question. I asked if the Minister would assure the House that the programme will continue.

I have not yet learned the secret of putting a quart into a pint bottle.

Will the Minister assure the House that this programme will be continued for the full year rather than part of the year as happened in 1980? At that time 80 men employed by Dublin County Council had to be let go at very short notice because the money was not provided by the Department. Will he take steps to ensure that this will not happen in future?

I hope to do that, but the Deputy will appreciate that there are tremendous constraints on the Government at present to provide all the money being asked for.