HC Deb 20 February 1992 vol 204 cc286-7W
Mr. Beggs

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether he has any plans to meet representatives of community-based training organisations or community workshops to discuss problems arising from block funding arrangements; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Needham

I met representatives of the Northern Ireland Association of Community-based Training Organisations to discuss funding issues on 19 February 1992.

Mr. Beggs

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many applicants were transferred from the waiting list at Felden training centre during 1991–92 to waiting lists at other training centres.

Mr. Needham

During 1991–92 to date, 48 persons were transferred from the waiting list of Felden training centre to Boucher Road training centre and 29 persons from Felden training centre to Ballymena training centre. All such transfers are with the agreement of the individuals concerned.

Mr. Beggs

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what provision is being made for ex GEC/Alsthom employees who are now more than six months unemployed to obtain re-training and re-qualification.

Mr. Needham

Under the restart programme—for those unemployed for six months or more—interviews with ex-GEC Alsthom employees began on 15 January 1992.

To date, all 66 in this group have been interviewed. Twenty-five have made job applications, 17 have applied for training and 19 applied to a job club.

Of the remaining five, three have registered voluntarily for employment and two have been unable to accept any opportunities offered due to domestic circumstances.