114 Mr. Hyland asked the Minister for Enterprise and Employment if his attention has been drawn to the concern regarding the abolition of the part-time job opportunities programme; and if he will have the decision reviewed. [3955/97]

115 Mr. J. Walsh asked the Minister for Enterprise and Employment the plans, if any, he has to extend the part-time job opportunities programme beyond September 1997; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4092/97]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 114 and 115 together.

The part-time job opportunities programme is a three year pilot programme which comes to an end in June 1997. Funding is being made available in 1997 which will allow for the pilot programme to be completed.

An evaluation of the pilot programme, which is currently under way, is near completion. Any decision on how the different elements of the pilot programme can be absorbed into mainstream programmes cannot be taken until this evaluation has been completed.