Just 60 of 3,000 places filled in government's Gateway job scheme

Almost 15 months after the Government announced it in a budget speech, just 60 of the 3,000 places available on the Gateway job training scheme have been filled.

Under the initiative, dole claimants who have been on the Live Register for more than a year are paid an extra €20 per week on top of their jobseekers allowance to work for local authorities.

An average of 19.5 hours per week is on offer in areas including: village enhancement schemes; landscaping; tourism ambassadors; animal control; and libraries. Each placement lasts 22 months.