§ Mr. Murphyasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the future of the job release scheme in Northern Ireland.
§ Mr. ButlerThe existing full-time scheme in Northern Ireland is open until 31 March 1984 to men from the age 62, to disabled men from the age 60 and to women aged 59. As in the rest of the United Kingdom, from 1 April 1984 to 31 March 1985 the qualifying age for men will be raised from 62 to 64; women will continue to be eligible at 59; and disabled men from the age of 60.
The recently introduced Northern Ireland part-time job release scheme, open to the same age groups covered by the present full-time scheme will continue until 31 March 1985.
As is the case with all special employment measures, the Northern Ireland job release scheme is extended on a year-by-year basis. A decision on the scheme's future after March 1985 has yet to be taken.