Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 14 March 2012
89 Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of the 5,000 places which were to be allocated under the Tús scheme that have been filled; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14386/12]
View answer90 Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Social Protection her plans to make additional Tús places available to those centres which have reached their quota already; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14387/12]
View answer91 Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Social Protection her plans, if any, to extend participation in the Tús programme beyond one year in view of the fact that it takes at least this length of time for a person to become familiar with the role; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14389/12]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 89 to 91, inclusive, together.
Tús, the community work placement initiative introduced during 2011, will provide up to 5,000 short-term, quality work opportunities for those who are unemployed for more than a year when fully operational. This initiative is being delivered through the network of local development companies and Údarás na Gaeltachta. Of the 5,000 placements initially planned for Tús, 4,540 were allocated between the individual local development companies and Údarás na Gaeltachta. Additionally, some 230 supervisor positions were assigned with the balance of placements being held for allocation to specific national organisations.
As of the week ending 9th March 2012, 2,922 participant and 180 supervisory positions had been filled nationally. Of the 52 companies delivering Tús, some 20 have filled their allocation with another 12 on course to do so the end of March. My department is moving this week to reallocate in excess of 400 placements to those companies that have reached full implementation and where there is demand from community and voluntary sector organisations for work to be undertaken. Implementation in some urban areas has been slower than expected for a variety of reasons, however, I am reassured that full implementation can be achieved during the coming months. The funds allocated for 2012 amount to €84m. I have no plans to extend the duration of 12 months for any individual on Tús.
