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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 4 Feb 2003

Vol. 560 No. 3

Written Answers. - Employment Support Services.

Jerry Cowley

Question:

453 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason in order to qualify for a back to work allowance, SW93, a person must be unemployed for five years; if she intends to change this; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2312/03]

The range of employment support services administered by this Department was reviewed last year in the light of the major economic and labour market changes that have occurred in recent years. This transformation in labour market conditions is illustrated by the drop in unemployment levels since the introduc tion of the back to work allowance in 1993. When the allowance was introduced the overall unemployment level was 15.7% and long-term-unemployment stood at 8.9%. By 2001 overall unemployment had fallen to 3.7% and long-term-unemployment was down to 1.2%.

The review also took cognisance of an independent evaluation of the scheme which was published in December 2000. The report recommended, in the light of the current tight labour market situation, that the scheme be refocused on the longer-term unemployed, that the non-financial supports be enhanced, and that the overall numbers on the scheme be reduced.

Following on from this review the qualifying period for persons on unemployment benefit-assistance has been increased to five years with effect from 1 January 2003. Other social welfare qualifying payments are not affected by the change.

It is important that my Department's employment support services retain their relevance to current employment and economic conditions and continue to focus on the more vulnerable in our community. I have no immediate plans to change the existing qualifying criteria for participation on the scheme.

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