In a case where this scheme cannot be operated under the terms as laid down, would the Minister consider diverting whatever funds had been allocated to some other scheme to get over this impasse? Would the Minister consider this as a device for getting around the impossible position in which a certain local authority finds itself?

In respect of any of the Manpower intervention schemes which provide employment under different categories, I am constrained by regulations and such flexibility as is built into the regulations is fully availed of by my Department. In addition, between the various subheads that make up the Manpower section, I intend to ensure that we get maximum value for money. If there is an underspending under one subhead as against another in Manpower services it is my intention, subject to the agreement of the Minister for Finance who also has a statutory role in this, to ensure that we get the money. If the latter part of the Deputy's question refers to the continued refusal or inability of Dublin Corporation, because of lack of trade union co-operation, I regret to say, to avail of the social employment scheme, it means that he is requesting me to make some kind of block grant equivalent to the kind of moneys which on a pro rata Dublin Corporation get relative to other authorities, a sum of approximately £1 million, I regret that I am not in a position to do so. I ask the Deputy to use his position in Dublin City Council to ensure that management and the trade unions agree to operate within the SES to see if there is some way, now that spring is with us, to provide up to 1,000 jobs for unemployed people in the Dublin area.

I should dearly like to see that happen. If the Minister could find some way of allocating the money to the local authority, there would be no difficulty in providing 1,000 jobs but, for some ulterior motive, the trade union movement will not allow the scheme to operate in Dublin Corporation so the matter is beyond the Minister, the management or myself. Because the position is peculiar and arises through no fault of the majority in the City Council, would the Minister consider taking the matter back to Cabinet for the purpose of trying to have a block grant sanctioned for Dublin Corporation?

I understand the sense of frustration the Deputy experiences in Dublin Corporation regarding this matter. Like every other Deputy, each week when he holds his clinic he is being requested to provide employment for people while he is aware that the corporation are not in a position to provide up to at least 1,000 jobs. The Deputy was an office holder during a previous administration so he may be aware that experience has shown that a block grant to a local authority is not the most effective way of providing employment. If that were the most effective way of dealing with the matter it would be much easier administratively for us in the Department. The resolution of the problem lies with the management of Dublin Corporation, with the elected members of the corporation and with the trade unions representing workers in Dublin Corporation.