§ Mr. IllsleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) how many people have so far participated in the community work programme in each of the targeted areas; [14727]
(2) how many organisations have so far participated in the community work programme in each of the three targeted areas; [14731]
(3) what are the targets for participants in the community work programme for each of the next three years. [14732]
§ Mr. AncramResponsibility for the subject in question has been delegated to the Training and Employment Agency under its chief executive, Mr. Ian Walters. I have asked him to arrange for a reply to be given.
650WLetter from Ian Walters to Mr. Eric Ilsley, dated 14 February 1996:
The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland has asked me as Chief Executive of the Training and Employment Agency to reply to your questions on the Community Work Programme.Question 14727The number of persons who have to date participated in each of the three pilot areas is as follows:
Area Number Belfast 251 Fermanagh 149 Strabane 74 Total 474 Question 14731The number of participating organisations is:
Area Number Belfast 25 Fermanagh 69 Strabane 30 Total 124 Question 14732The Community Work Programme is a pilot initiative for the long term unemployed with a target of 1,000 filled places in each of the two years 1996/97 and 1997/98. By 31 March 1997 a full evaluation of the pilot will have been completed and a decision taken on the programme's future.I hope you find this reply useful. I will of course be pleased to provide further information if you would find it helpful.