Mr. Michael Bowe:

I will try to answer that question. It is a difficult one to answer. We have to act on our own beliefs. The service was set up 25 years ago to respond to particular problems and the challenge of the Government was to be flexible. It was a time when the long-term unemployment figures were a lot higher. As we get to the magical figure of 4%, there is still a cohort with whom we should do something and about whom we should not forget. We can look at the schemes which are working, but there has to be a group which will work specifically with that cohort. Ours is the correct vehicle. Assuming we are doing our job well and are under scrutiny and answerable, it offers the best template to provide a wrap-around service. There are others who can deal with the short-term unemployed and address the peaks and valleys. I am trying not to get into problems while answering a question about a contractual issue. We can respond and have the staff and wherewithal to do so.