§ 12. Mr. PondTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans she has to reduce unemployment among young people in Northern Ireland. [1389]
§ Mr. WorthingtonThe Government will pursue policies to promote economic growth and job creation, and we will offer young people constructive alternatives to benefit. In particular, the New Deal is our pledge to 18–24 year olds who have been unemployed for over six months, to enable them to develop and realise their potential. They will be offered training and employment opportunities with employers, the voluntary sector and an environmental task force. I believe that both young people and industry will be keen to make the most of these new opportunities.