Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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I have a slightly complicated answer. We originally had an allocation of 2,000 for this year. As the Deputy will know, we only launched the scheme this time last year and it takes time for any scheme, in terms of word of mouth and spreading the news, to penetrate. It has been so popular that we raised the allocation of 2,000 places for this year to 2,400 earlier in the year. We have now exceeded that figure. We are slightly under 3,000 and I anticipate at least that figure, plus.

We have a very flexible allocation. Let us look at JobsPlus and Tús. At any one time there are about 7,700 people on a monthly basis on Tús and at any one time there are somewhere around 6,500 people undertaking JobBridge. I anticipate that over the next year or two, the JobsPlus scheme will move strongly. We have moved from a standing start this time last year to 3,000 places now. I would anticipate a similar demand for both the JobBridge and Tús programmes, which are very popular.

Deputy O'Dea asked about Gateway. We have a significant number of counties where county managers and their staff have initiated the Gateway scheme, together with local councils. As I speak there are 782 people participating in Gateway, which I am happy to say.

Deputy Jim Daly is here. Gateway is essentially the same as the community employment scheme except that it is offered by county councils. Gateway has the same terms and conditions - 19 hours and an extra €20-----