Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 19 April 2012
111 Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will extend the duration of the Tus scheme beyond one year as in many cases it takes up to nine months to adequately train the person participating in the Tus role to a level where significant experience can be gained thereafter; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19561/12]
View answerThe purpose of Tús is the provision of quality work placements for those who are unemployed in order to break the cycle of unemployment and to improve a person's opportunities in returning to the labour market. The allocation of €84m in 2012 should provide for costs of ensuring 5,000 people are offered placements with community, voluntary and not-for-profit organisations. The 12-month duration on Tús is designed to ensure that the benefits of these work placements are offered to the greatest number of those eligible. While I have no proposals to alter this arrangement, the operation of Tús is being considered in the wider review of activation schemes in support of those who are unemployed.
