asked the Minister for Education if, with regard to projects to be financed under the Department of Education's temporary youth employment scheme, he will (a) provide details of such projects in respect of 1978; (b) the criteria that were employed in selecting projects; (c) if his Department have sought further funds to finance other worth-while projects, which were submitted but were not adopted due to lack of funds; if so, how much has been sought; and when the funds will be allocated.

: A total of 171 applications have been received for assistance under my Department's temporary youth employment scheme. To date 57 applications involving the employment of 447 young workers for a total of 6,150 work weeks at a total cost of £298,685 have been approved.

To qualify for a grant projects were required to have a high labour content which would result immediately in the direct employment of youth. Selection of projects was on the basis of probable completion before the end of 1978 or in the case of projects of a productive nature, the possibility of their becoming self-perpetuating. The £300,000 available for the purpose of approved projects in 1978 is that provided in subhead G. 19 of Vote 30.

I have examined the remaining applications with a view to incorporating any of those deemed suitable under the scheme, and I am seeking the additional finances necessary.

: I hope the finances the Minister has requested will be forthcoming.

: The money the Minister has at his disposal is almost gone. The jobs average out at almost 12 weeks and, consequently, if he does not get more money in 12 weeks' time we will have 500 fewer jobs. Is that correct?

: I am calling the next question.