§ Mr. McGradyTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans and strategies he will implement in order to reduce Catholic male unemployment in Northern Ireland. [22110]
§ Mr. AncramThe Government are strengthening the Northern Ireland economy and reducing unemployment through increasingly successful efforts to attract inward investment, develop tourism, encourage exports and encourage higher innovation in Northern Ireland companies. Through the targeting social need initiative, the Government seek enhanced economic activity in disadvantaged areas.
431WIn addition, the Training and Employment Agency has recently introduced in areas of greatest unemployment the new jobskills programme and pilot community work programmes are now in operation. Along with the existing action for community employment scheme, these provide high-quality training and additional work prospects for all those who are long-term unemployed.