The Minister confirmed recently that the back to work allowance scheme has been abolished, except for target groups such as lone parents and people with disabilities. For those on the unemployment register, however, the period of time allowed to qualify for the back to work allowance scheme has been increased fourfold from 15 months to a staggering 60 months. That happened because the financial provision for employment support services was cut in the Book of Estimates. The back to work allowance scheme has been extremely successful and has benefited approximately 13,500 recipients. While a study of the scheme commissioned by the Department recommended a reduction in the number of places, it also recommended increased funds for better training and support for participants. The net effect of the Minister's announcement is that the scheme will be abolished. The scheme should have been developed and improved because it played a pivotal role in assisting people to make the transition from long-term unemployment back into the workforce.