asked the Minister for Labour the findings of the work to date of the school-industry links programme.

There are eight school-industry links programmes in operation in various parts of the country — two in Dublin and one in Athlone, Waterford, Sligo, Castlebar, Carlow and Galway.

An evaluation of the schemes is being carried out and I expect the results to be available shortly. When I receive the report I shall consider the future of the programme in consultation with interested bodies, including the Youth Employment Agency.