Ms Anne Vaughan:

I thank the committee for the opportunity to appear before it today for the discussion on Pathways to Work. I am joined by my colleagues, John McKeon, assistant secretary with responsibility labour activation; Brendan Friel, principal officer with responsibility for contracted employment services; and Terry Corcoran, principal officer with responsibility for labour market and activation policy. The purpose of this opening statement is to provide the committee with an overview of Pathways to Work with a particular focus on JobPath. We will be happy to address any questions that the committee members may have at the conclusion of the statement.

I understand the Chairman is aware that the statement is slightly longer than normal, but that is because there is so much to cover.