The back to work allowance was introduced in September 1993 as part of my Department's programme of initiatives designed to encourage the long-term unemployed to return to the active labour force. The scheme has proved to be a very worthwhile initiative with 17,000 persons currently in receipt of the weekly allowance. It provides support over a three year period to those wishing to take up employment or self-employment opportunities. Because of the success of the scheme, the Government has agreed as part of its strategy to tackle unemployment, to increase the number of places from 17,000 to 22,000. One thousand of these places will be reserved for people with disabilities.