Obviously, people in receipt of only £15, £16 or £20 a week would be receiving the £40 anyway, so it will be of benefit to very large numbers in terms of the actual money they will receive if they take the option. But people who would be in receipt of under £15, as the terms are set, would not be eligible to participate in the scheme but obviously would be eligible for their payment in the normal way. That will continue to be the case.
With regard to people who would not qualify or be eligible at all, I should say they would not be coming to me; they would not be the people about whom I am talking in these circumstances. On the question of whether they would have access to FÁS training courses, I should say that yes, of course they will have access to FÁS training courses. I should point out that, as we become more computerised and more in control of our business in social welfare, I want to provide a better service to everybody involved. In this case we are talking about people who are unemployed. I want to be able to ensure there is good linkage to FÁS, that people are given access to FÁS and to opportunities. Of course, they will have such access. My problem is a very practical one. It is this. When all this access to FÁS and other opportunities are taken into account, I am left with approximately 5,000 to 6,000 school leavers who are given no opportunity, who have nothing but who have merely to sign on for the dole. I want to endeavour to provide other options for such 18-year-olds leaving school. I think Deputy Allen understands that is what I am endeavouring to do.
We are discussing with the Department of Enterprise and Employment a module which might ensure a training element and also that they would be interviewed at certain intervals to ensure that they are aware of the other options in FÁS and where possible that they pursue longer term training courses.