The examination of Irish manpower policy is largely devoted to a consideration of the strategy for economic development and permanent job creation--as well as to a study of various aspects of the procedures and administrative arrangements adopted to attain these objectives. Attention is drawn to the fundamental imbalances in the Irish economy--high unemployment, a trade deficit, considerable emigration, and inflationary pressures. The document presents the conclusions of the Manpower and Social Affairs Committee of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development as an introduction to the examiners' report. The following topics are examined: (1) economic background and the role of manpower policy, (2) manpower policies and the role of the Department of Labor, (3) the administration of regional policy, (4) the National Employment Service, (5) manpower information, (6) training and education, and (7) manpower policy in Ireland--a concluding interpretation. The examination indicates that Irish manpower policy is being used to support economic development chiefly through measures to stimulate demand for labor by the industrial development program and to improve supply through the encouragement of training and the provision of an improved employment service. (Author/MW)