asked the Minister for Labour the number of places which will be offered on Teamwork projects in 1989; and the number which were offered in 1987 and 1988.

The duration participants spend on Teamwork varied from six to twelve months during the period in question. For comparison purposes therefore I am expressing activity levels in man-years and they are as follows: 1989, 1142 (projected outturn); 1988, 1382; 1987, 1200.

In view of the very disappointing figures recently published relating to the preliminary estimates for the labour force in 1989 does the Minister not feel that there should be more places made available for the current year?

The Deputy may not be aware that the European Social Fund now consider that this type of Teamwork scheme means temporary jobs for young people, is not leading to permanent employment and no longer assists the scheme under the Social Fund. Because the scheme is so useful the Government have agreed that the Exchequer will foot the entire bill for this scheme. Realistically we will do well to maintain the numbers as they are.

Do I take it that it is the Minister's intention to terminate this scheme?

My intention is to maintain the scheme at its present level although we have no social funding for it.