Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)

I do not agree because we have done both. Yesterday, changes were made to the job placement programme recently discussed at the Joint Committee on Enterprise, Trade and Employment, which will see more internships and work-experience placements. That was the result of work between me and the Minister for Social and Family Affairs. There has been further largescale investment in training programmes with specific emphasis on getting people back into third level to take up conversion courses. The Government is examining other initiatives that will support people, employment and sustaining people in employment. In the context of spending for next year, we have evaluated the quality assurance of many of our courses and have considered what new interactions may be necessary. The Deputy will appreciate that I cannot pre-empt what the Minister for Finance will say. We are currently assessing specific initiatives, including short term working, some of which are operating on a pilot basis.

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