24. In section 1 of the Employment and Training Act (Northern Ireland)[1950 c. 29 (N.I.)] 1950 for subsection (1) there shall be substituted—
“(1) Subject to the provisions of this Act, the Department of Economic Development (in this Act referred to as “the Department”) may make such arrangements and provide such facilities and services as it considers appropriate—
(a)for the purpose of providing temporary employment for persons in Northern Ireland who are without employment;
(b)for the purpose of assisting persons to select, train for, obtain and retain employment suitable to their ages and capacities;
(c)for the purpose of assisting employers to obtain employees (including partners and other business associates); and
(d)generally for the purpose of promoting employment in accordance with the requirements of the community.
(1A) Arrangements in pursuance of subsection (1) may include provision for the making by the Department, with the consent of the Department of Finance and Personnel, of payments, by way of grant or loan or otherwise, to persons who provide employment or facilities in pursuance of the arrangements, to persons who use such facilities and to other persons specified in pursuance of the arrangements.”.