Richard Bruton
Question:447 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the changes which she plans to introduce in the back to work scheme in 2003. [24802/02]
Written Answers. - Employment Support Services.
The numbers of people availing of the back to work allowance scheme have been falling steadily in recent years due to the continued buoyancy of the labour market and the low levels of long-term unemployment. Recent studies have found that successes in entering into employment should have occurred anyway, over 50%, even in the absence of the scheme.
In the light of these studies and of current labour market conditions it has been decided to restructure the scheme to target those in most need in accessing the labour market, specifically the very long-term unemployed, lone parents and people with a disability. The details of this restructuring are being finalised at present and will be announced shortly.