I propose to take Questions Nos. 3 and 4 together.
The progress made since the establishment of the Youth Employment Agency can be seen from the significant increase which has taken place in the number of places available to young unemployed people on youth employment and training schemes. In 1981 some 22,500 young people participated in the youth employment and training schemes then in operation against 32,500 in 1982 and an estimated 45,000 in 1983, which is double the number participating in 1981. The scale of the expansion is such that the number of places available on programme is of the same order as the number leaving school in any one year.
In addition to expanding existing programmes, the agency have developed a number of new schemes in the employment field aimed at the development of enterprise and a commitment to self-help among young people and community groups. These schemes are the community and youth enterprise programme and the youth self-employment programme. Major programmes in which the agency is involved include the ACOT certificate in farming programme and the placement of specialist personnel under the NBST "Young Scientists and Technologists Scheme" and the Irish Goods Council "Marketplace Programme". The agency are continuing to examine job creation proposals from individuals and groups on a case basis and grant assistance has been provided in a number of cases.
I have no doubt but that the input of the agency, as the body with overall national responsibility for furthering the employment, work experience and training of young persons, will be a key factor in tackling the problem of youth unemployment.
As regards the staffing of the agency the following is the information sought: (i) Twenty-eight persons are currently employed by the agency in the following categories: (a) Chief Executive, 1; (b) Secretary, 1; (c) Directors looking after projects, finance, research and planning, 3; (d) Programme Managers, 3; (e) Project Officers, 6; (f) Research Assistants, 3; (g) Consultants, 2; (h) Administrative/Clerical and Support Persons, 9. Of the 28 employees, 13 are permanent, 3 are on short-term contracts and 12 are on secondment from other organisations.
(ii) Twelve of the 13 permanent employees of the agency were recruited from outside the Civil Service.
With regard to the method of recruitment of the agency staff, the chief executive was appointed by me in my capacity as Minister for Labour. Of the remaining 27 persons, 6 were recruited following the advertising of posts in the national Press; 11 were recruited through the National Manpower Service, and 10 are on secondment to the Youth Employment Agency from a number of different organisations including State and semi-State organisations. Two of the six who were recruited following the advertising of posts in the national Press, are also on secondment.
The total cost of the agency to the Exchequer to date is £646,301. The cost over a twelve month period (September, 1982 to August, 1983) was £480,700.