Vol. 397 No. 5
65 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Labour the number of persons employed on social employment schemes in each year from the inception of the scheme to date; the number who went on to full-time employment; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Since its inception in 1985, 40, 950 persons have participated in and left the scheme, broken down as follows: 1986, 6,100; 1987, 8,500; 1988, 13,623; 1989, 11,226; 1990 (to 23 February), 1,501.
Information on the numbers going from the scheme into full-time employment is not readily available but it is generally accepted that the scheme is of benefit in helping the long-term unemployed get back into employment.
The social employment scheme is an important element in the Government's efforts to help long-term unemployed persons. The scheme is designed to offer these people the opportunity to regain a foothold in the labour market. Recent improvements in the scheme as well as the increase in the 1990 target to 15,000 participants underline the Government's commitment to help the long-term unemployed.
