I propose to take Questions Nos. 615 and 621 together.
The scheme operated by my Department to assist people in setting up their own businesses is specifically targeted at the long-term unemployed who need additional support in this regard over and above the services available otherwise for this purpose. Both the back to work allowance and the back to work enterprise allowance, formerly known as area allowance enterprise schemes, have been very successful in encouraging over 64,000 long-term unemployed to take up employment and self-employment opportunities. They form an integral part of my Department's employment support services designed to activate the long-term unemployed to leave the live register.
At present 19,100 participants are in self-employment and 18,500 in employment with the support of the scheme. The focus of the schemes must remain on the long-term unemployed, that is, those who have been unemployed for at least 12 months. Demand for the schemes is still buoyant and I am anxious to ensure that the schemes continue to be available to those who need them most to help them break out of the cycle of long-term unemployment.
A report by consultants on the scheme was published in November 1997. A further evaluation of the scheme is being carried out and a draft report by the consultants has been received. I will review the scheme in the light of the consultant's final recommendation.