Noel Ahern (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)

I am taking this matter on behalf of the Department. What the Deputy has outlined is very much what we are hearing when we meet people on the ground. The long reply outlines all the good actions the Department takes currently but the most relevant is near the end. I could read the five pages for the Deputy but the comment at the end states: "In view of the particular relevance of the back to work scheme to the unemployed, the eligibility requirements and other aspects of the scheme are being examined to ensure they continue to meet the needs of individuals in the current climate." There are many good actions the Department has always taken but there was always a period before they clicked in. It must try to target resources at those who really need them rather than those who might almost deliberately become unemployed to get benefits. That is not what is happening now but it might happen in the case of a few. The increase recently in the number of people who have been made unemployed has brought all the schemes into focus, and they are being examined. The reply outlines what currently exists but with the debate this week and discussions at Cabinet level, things are being looked at and the last paragraph is probably key. We have all made suggestions at different levels and I hope some of the projects can be adjusted to help people who do not want to be unemployed and who want to re-enter the workforce. I do not know if they can go the whole way and make these available from day one, but the situation is being examined and I hope something good comes from that.

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