asked the Minister for Labour if, in respect of the proposed work experience programme, he will indicate when it is likely to commence; how work experience is defined for the purposes of the programme; how participants will be paid, by whom and how much; and if he will make a detailed statement as to the operation of the scheme.

As the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance announced in his Financial Statement on 1 February 1978, the Government have accepted a number of proposals from the Employment Action Team including a proposal for a Work Experience Programme.

The National Manpower Service of my Department will be responsible for the implementation of this programme and the service is currently making the necessary arrangements in consultation with the Department of Education and other agencies involved for the introduction of the programme at the earliest possible date.

Until such time as the final details of the programme have been formulated, it will not be possible to provide definitive answers to some of the questions raised by the Deputy. However, in its proposal the team envisaged that under the Work Experience Programme young unemployed persons would be placed with private and public employers to obtain practical experience of different jobs. During this period the young people would receive a weekly allowance from the State.

When the precise details of the programme are finalised, I shall make a detailed statement in the matter.

Could I ask the Minister when we might expect the Work Experience Programme to commence?

I cannot answer that at present. Negotiations are taking place between the two main Departments concerned, Education and Labour, and as soon as possible I will be making a statement and will let the Deputy know as well.

The Minister did say this arose out of the work of the Employment Action Team.

That is right.

Could I ask the Minister for an assurance that those employed—I suppose "employed" is the only word one can use—in this Work Experience Programme will be paid at least more than they would otherwise receive in unemployment assistance?

I will convey details of the scheme to the Deputy when they are finalised.

Will the Minister give an assurance that they will be paid, otherwise the scheme will be rendered more useless than it is?

I take it that the Deputy is opposed in principle to the idea of giving young people working experience in order to improve their job chances?

Question No. 27.

I am opposed in principle to charades. The experience will follow if young people get work.