8. Mr. Gareth R. ThomasTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if she will make a statement on progress in implementing the new deal in Northern Ireland. [49025]
§ Mr. WorthingtonProgress has been very encouraging and compares favourably to the position in Great Britain. Almost 800 employers have signed New Deal agreements. Around 2,500 young people have entered Gateway and will progress to the available options.
The Chancellor's recent initiative will enable us to provide extensive New Deal opportunities to the over 25s from November.
§ 29. Mr. GogginsTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what progress has been made in implementing the new deal in Northern Ireland. [49047]
§ Mr. WorthingtonThe New Deal for 18–24 year olds was launched on 6 April and the Government are encouraged by progress with over 700 employer agreements signed. We think this is the highest number of firms pro rata in the UK. We received applications from 84 consortiums to run the education, environment and voluntary organisation options. 26 consortiums have been chosen. Some 2,200 young people have entered the Gateway and will progress to the four available options.
The Chancellor's recent initiative means that additional New Deal provision for the 25+ age group will be available from November of this year.