Mr. Niamh O'Donoghue:

It is recognised and a new initiative is being taken with local authorities. This gateway programme is targeted at long-term unemployed persons becoming involved in the scheme. It is not in every instance that the person might necessarily progress to employment. We must try to satisfy a number of elements. For example, we must keep people as close to the labour market as possible and try to ensure they can access the appropriate skills or training that might enhance their ability to secure employment. We should also recognise that there are a number of people, particularly in vulnerable positions, who may never be able to work in a commercial market, where assistance and engagement are required. Support is needed for such cases.