Joanna Tuffy (Dublin Mid West, Labour)
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Similarly, the figure for Gateway is low. Community employment must also be considered in this regard.

With regard to the back-to-work enterprise allowance, should we not be aiming to have more young people set up their own companies and businesses? I have noticed that some people in receipt of the back-to-work enterprise allowance are individuals from an older generation who are returning to self-employment having been on social welfare. I have no problem with this, but if there were more young people using the allowance, there might be start-up companies, perhaps in the technology sector. Should we not aim to have more in this category?

I participated in a social employment scheme when I was young and found it very beneficial. With regard to Gateway, particularly because it concerns local authorities, should we not want young people to gain experience in local authorities' planning, arts or heritage departments? Why is the figure for Gateway so low?