Restart (Hansard, 28 October 1986)

§ Mr. Pike
asked the Paymaster General what percentage of those starting on the restart programme complete the full week.

§ Mr. Lee
On the basis that this question relates to the one week restart course, which is part of the restart programme, the information is not available in the form requested. However, the average attendance on restart courses is just over four days per participant.

§ Mr. Pike
asked the Paymaster General if he proposes to increase the period spent on the restart programme from one week; and if he will make a statement.

§ Mr. Lee
On the basis that this question relates to the restart course, which is part of the restart programme, there are no plans to increase the length of restart courses. However, participants may return on one day a week, for up to 13 weeks for further support and guidance.

§ Mr. Pike
asked the Paymaster General what follow-up his Department proposes to conduct to assess the effect of the restart programme on its participants.

§ Mr. Lee
A full evaluation of the restart pilot programme will be available later this year. In addition, the Manpower Services Commission will conduct a study of a sample of restart participants in order to follow their experiences during the 12 months following their restart counselling interview.