I propose to take Questions Nos. 83 and 84 together.
As was announced previously, my Department will be commissioning an independent review of the Succeed-in-Ireland programme. That review, which will be carried out after details of the initiative’s full and final costs are available, will equip us with a thorough understanding of the programme’s results and its contribution to employment generation in the State. This is in the interests of good governance and ensuring value for money for the taxpayer.
On 20 April my Department launched a public consultation calling for observations on the draft terms of reference for that review. The consultation period ended on 26 May. I am pleased that the consultation process elicited 17 different submissions. The responses that we received came from a broad range of stakeholders, including public representatives and the general public.
The terms of reference for the review will be finalised in due course. My Department is completing the examination of all the responses to the public consultation, a process which will help to shape the final text. The submissions will be published after the terms of reference are finalised.