Ruairí Quinn
Ceist:63 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs his views on the surveys carried out by a group (details supplied) on Government training schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5722/01]
Written Answers. - Employment Support Services.
My Department recently published the findings of an independent evaluation of the back to work allowance scheme which was carried out by Indecon International Economic Consultants.
The report follows extensive research, including a survey of people who have participated in the scheme and who were no longer receiving payment. In addition a postal survey was carried out of employers who employed recipients of the allowance and consultations took place with interested organisations such as the Irish National Organisation for the Unemployed, the Irish Congress of Trade Unions and the Irish Business and Employers Confederation.
The report found that the scheme was affected by high levels of deadweight in that many of those entering the scheme would have found work without the financial support the scheme provides. It recommended, in the light of this finding and 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 available under the scheme be enhanced and that the overall numbers on the scheme be reduced.
The scheme has been highly successful since its implementation and has provided a route out of unemployment for significant numbers of long-term unemployed persons. I am happy that the scheme has still a significant role to play in assisting people who are on the live register and other groups of welfare recipients such as people with disabilities, the disabled, lone parents and former carers to re-enter the world of work.
I agree with the recommendations in the report concerning an increased level of training, advice, support and mentoring for those participating in the scheme. In this context I will shortly be introducing a code of practice aimed at employers, participants and the Department as recommended in the report. I have also set aside £250,000 to help persons entering self-employment under the scheme with the cost of public liability insurance and last year I provided an extra £250,000 to the first step organisation to help that organisation expand its programme of interest-free loans to self-employed participants in the scheme.
The report will form the basis for future developments of the scheme and will help my Department ensure that it reflects the needs of the labour market and also the needs of the client groups at whom it is targeted. It is my intention to consult the social partners about the report and its findings and recommendations with a view to agreeing a consensus approach to the future development of the scheme.
Question No. 64 answered with Question No. 49.