Does the Taoiseach believe for one moment that this plan will be any more successful than their plan for full employment in the 1977 manifesto? Is the Taoiseach further aware that in 1977 when there were 103,000 unemployed, the Fianna Fáil manifesto promised to reduce unemployment in the next four years by 80,000? If Fianna Fáil had kept their promise, there would have been only 23,000 people unemployed in 1981 when we took office. Is the Taoiseach further aware that there were 127,000 people unemployed and that they were 100,000 out in their promise at that time? Can the Taoiseach say what he intends to do now to ensure full employment for all?

That is why Deputy O'Donoghue is Minister for Education.

Our entire approach to economic planning is based on the need to invest in this country, to raise the level of economic activity and provide increased employment opportunities for our people.

Why did the Taoiseach not raise the level of economic opportunities from 1977 to 1981 when he had a majority of 20 in this House?

The Deputy may be unaware of the fact that in recent years there has been an economic depression, unprecedented in its extent and intensity, and unemployment figures for the OECD area at present represent the seriousness of that economic recession. Our economic planning and endeavours are directed towards bringing this country as safely as possible through that economic recession, and we are achieving considerable success in those endeavours.

The Taoiseach did not reply to the question. Could he tell us if, despite the fact that 25,000 people were taken into the public service for jobs which did not really exist, the 40 per cent figure I quoted for the increase in unemployment during his period in office is accurate? If so, what special steps does he intend to take in this economic plan to prevent a recurrence of that outrageous performance?

Obviously we cannot have a reply. The Taoiseach referred to investment as being the solution to the problems of unemployment and growth. Is the Taoiseach not aware that, despite the fact that during the period of the Fianna Fáil administration the ratio of our national output devoted to investment was one of the highest among developed countries, nevertheless, during that period unemployment rose very sharply? Does this not suggest that the quality of investment during the period of Fianna Fáil Government must have been extremely poor if it yielded such a negative return?

The fact that we have such a high rate of investment — probably the highest in the OECD area next to Japan — is something we should value. It is important that we should continue to pursue high investment programmes. I am somewhat puzzled by the approach of Deputies to these questions and to my outlining of our efforts. We are endeavouring to have some sort of coherent approach and an organised effort to deal with current economic problems. I imagine that Deputies on all sides of the House would welcome our efforts in this regard. I have endeavoured to give the House as much information as I can about how we are going about the preparation of the plan and it would not be unreasonable to expect some encouraging support from Deputies or at least some constructive suggestions in regard to the plan.