The job initiative programme is an active labour market programme for persons unemployed for five years or longer and over 35 years of age. The programme was introduced on a pilot basis in 1996-97 with 1,000 places available on phase one. The level of available places on the programme has remained constant since 1999 at approximately 2,875 per annum and will remain at this level for the foreseeable future.
A new high supports process is currently at an advanced stage of development by my Department in consultation with the social partners. The new process is intended to target and provide an enhanced level of support for those participants currently on JI and those job seekers identified as having severe employability barriers such as age, health, literacy and numeracy factors. The majority of such persons can be expected to benefit under the proposed high supports process to the extent that they will be able to take up job opportunities in the open labour market. The position in respect of those other remaining job initiative participants, and job seekers, with severe employability barriers who may be unable to do so is under active consideration by my Department in consultation with the social partners in the context of the PPF standing committee on labour market issues.