May I ask the Taoiseach two supplementary questions? Having regard to the fact that the plan was based on certain things developing, such as the extent of world trade, average earnings per head with our main trading partners, consumer prices compared with our main trading partner countries and so on to what extent have those projections been realised and what effect will they have on the plan? Secondly, what has happened as regards the social employment scheme mentioned in the plan to achieve a participation level of 10,000 within a year? What is the progress made to date in that area?

With regard to the first question, there are a number of external factors which influence our situation. One which has evolved favourably, and somewhat more favourably than the plan targets envisaged, is the level of interest rates which have declined more rapidly than we foresaw. The volume of world trade is a little less buoyant than we projected at that time but I do not think the divergence is great. There are a number of factors involved and I do not know which ones the Deputy wishes to pursue but I have mentioned two important points. The Deputy's second question dealt with the social employment scheme. I understand that 9,000 jobs have been approved and provided for and they are being taken up as rapidly as can be arranged.