Bernard J. Durkan
Question:97 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she proposes to improve the back to work allowance scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8585/03]
Written Answers - Employment Support Services.
The back to work allowance scheme was introduced in 1993 to provide support to people who were long-term unemployed to access the labour market. At the time the scheme was introduced, long-term unemployment was running at 8.9%.
In the intervening years the scheme was broadened to include lone parents and people with disabilities. A review of the back to work allowance scheme was carried out by independent consultants who recommended restructuring of the scheme in the light of the tight labour market. They recommended that the scheme be refocused on the longer-term unemployed, that the nonfinancial supports be enhanced, and that the overall numbers on the scheme be reduced.
The recent changes in the scheme reflect these recommendations and the major economic and labour market changes and, in particular, of the drop in unemployment levels since the introduction of the allowance in 1993.
Following on from this review, the qualifying period for persons on unemployment benefit-assistance has been increased to five years with effect from 1 January 2003. Other social welfare qualifying payments are not affected by the change.
It is important that my Department's employment support services retain their relevance to current employment and economic conditions and continue to focus on the most vulnerable groups. In line with this aim my Department's jobs facilitators will continue to assist the long-term unemployed and other long-term welfare dependants into self-employment and employment by providing them with assistance and information on an individual basis.
I will continue to monitor the scheme but I have no immediate plans to change the existing qualifying criteria.