I welcome the additional €20 million for labour activation schemes, an issue I raised often when in Opposition. Putting more money into labour activation leads to people gaining qualifications that will lead them into employment, thus benefiting the communities in which they live. The community employment schemes, which also assist people in this way, are being reviewed. People have nothing to fear from our achieving value for money. These schemes should not be abolished. I acknowledge that some schemes require more money than others. It is about using our heads to achieve balance, making savings along the way, which we can do.

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