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1. The Committee notes the information contained in the Government's report for the period ending September 1998. As of April 1999, the unemployment rate was 6.8 per cent, according to Eurostat. The Government states that the long-term unemployment rate was down to 5.6 per cent as of 1997, and that employment has grown by 7.5 per cent since 1995 and 84 per cent of new jobs are full time. The Government states that its main economic policy objectives are to secure and strengthen the capacity for sustainable employment, economic growth and social inclusion. To this end, a tripartite committee has secured agreement on public finances, a firmly fixed exchange rate, a coordinated wage strategy, and a commitment to economic and social solidarity.

2. The Committee notes with interest the Government's substantial progress in bringing down youth unemployment, from a peak of 27 per cent in 1993 to about 9 per cent as of April 1999, according to Eurostat. The Government states in its report that all persons 25 years of age and under in receipt of unemployment benefits for more than 12 months "are placed in job training or other constructive programmes" as provided for under the Employment Action Plan of April 1998. The Committee would appreciate receiving specific examples of such programmes and any evaluations which have taken place, as well as being kept informed of further changes in the youth unemployment rate.

3. In addition to tackling youth unemployment, the Employment Action Plan aims to reduce the percentage of long-term unemployed more generally. In its report the Government acknowledges that long-term unemployment remains too high, and indicates its aim of creating employment opportunities for those seeking work. The Committee notes this information and requests further details on the success of the Employment Action Plan in reducing long-term unemployment, particularly for male workers over the age of 45 and workers with relatively low skill levels.

4. Lastly, the Committee notes the information contained in the report on the independent evaluation of the human resource development programme undertaken by the Government. The Committee would appreciate being kept informed of any follow-up action taken in light of the report's recommendations, particularly as it affects prospective employment opportunities, as requested in paragraph 3 of the report form under Article 1 of the Convention.

5. The Committee notes the observations of the Scheme Workers' Alliance, supported by the Amalgamated Transport and General Workers' Union, alleging violation of Article 1 of the Convention relating to freedom of choice in employment. It has received the Government's reply too late to deal with at the present session and therefore defers comment on the issue raised until its next session.