asked the Minister for Labour the number of people who applied for the enterprise scheme in 1987; the number who were accepted; the number who are expected to apply for the scheme in 1988; the number of places which will be available, given the substantial reduction in funds available; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Enterprise Scheme.
11.
The number of people who applied to participate in the enterprise scheme to date in 1987 was 2,300 approximately. Of these, a total of 2,170 persons were accepted onto the scheme. It is expected that the total number of recruitments to the scheme in 1987 will be about 2,500.
In relation to 1988, when the Deputy refers to places available I assume he means admissions. The number of admissions feasible in the context of a 1988 allocation of £7 million is 3,700 approximately. As take-up of the scheme is dependent on demand from the unemployed public, it is not possible to state exactly how many people will apply for the scheme in 1988. However, it is expected that admissions in 1988 will exceed the 1987 figures.
With regard to the funding of the scheme in 1988 the allocation of £7 million for that year is about the same level as the forecast expenditure for 1987.