Monitoring and sanctions, while very strict in principle, are in practice far less stringent, as proof of job search is often perfunctory and benefit cancellation seldom enforced. Welcome progress has been made in the evaluation of programmes to help the unemployed, and these efforts should be further strengthened and used to channel scarce resources into the most effective programmes. Estatisticas da Educagao 2012/2013, DGEEC/MEC, Lisbon.