§ Mr. MossTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many people are participating in the New Deal in Northern Ireland. [51022]
§ Mr. WorthingtonResponsibility 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.
Letter from Ian Walters to Mr. Malcolm Moss, dated 22 July 1998:
The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland has asked me as Chief Executive of the Training & Employment Agency to reply to your question about the number of people participating in the Government's New Deal in Northern Ireland.By Friday 17 July, a total of 2,724 18–24 year old clients had entered New Deal Gateway in Northern Ireland. They will progress to the most appropriate of the four options available to them. In addition some 826 employers have signed employer agreements.The Chancellor's recent initiative means that additional funding is now available to extend New Deal provision for the 25+ age group from November of this year. Plans are also advanced to implement the New Deals for Lone Parents and Disabled people later this year.I hope you find this reply helpful.