Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent) | Oireachtas source

My focus is on the other measures. I accept the Minister's point. This experiment was tried in 1994 in areas like Finglas, Blanchardstown and Clonmel. It ended up creating in the region of 1,000 jobs in the community and voluntary sector. At the end of it, more than 500 people got real jobs and exited long-term unemployment. These are the other measures and we must focus on these issues. Additional funding in the region of €150 million would be required. Funding currently spent on social welfare payments to participants on this programme would be switched to their new employer. Participants would be paid principally through the reallocation of social welfare payments. I am encouraging the Minister to look constantly at new ideas about job creation and to keep his eye on the ball regarding the long-term unemployed.

See this speech in context