§ 18. Mr. HealeyTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the impact of the new deal on unemployment levels in Northern Ireland. [113234]
§ Mr. IngramSince New Deal was introduced in April 1998, unemployment has fallen by 54.2 per cent. in the target group for the New Deal for 18 to 24-year-olds, and 45.2 per cent. in the New Deal 25+ target group. The corresponding fall in non-target group unemployment was 2.1 per cent. An evaluation of New Deal in Northern Ireland is under way.
§ 22. Dr. IddonTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the implementation of the New Deal programme in Northern Ireland. [113239]
27. Mr. Michael J. FosterTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the implementation of the New Deal programme in Northern Ireland. [113244]
§ Mr. IngramAll the New Deal initiatives are being successfully implemented in Northern Ireland. In particular the New Deal for 18–24 year olds and the New Deal for 25+ pilot, which applies throughout Northern Ireland, have had a major impact on unemployment with decreases of 54 per cent. and 45 per cent. respectively in the eligible groups claiming Jobseeker's Allowance since April 1998.