Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 25 April 2013
103. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason persons who are currently in receipt of disability allowance are not allowed to pursue schemes under Tús; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19532/13]
View answerTús - the community work placement initiative - came into operation in mid-2011 and to date some 7,824 people have completed or are currently serving in work placements provided by community organisations. The purpose of Tús is to support the work-readiness of people who are unemployed for a year or more. For this reason, eligibility is confined to those in receipt of a job seekers payment from the Department of Social Protection. These provisions are to ensure a highly targeted approach on those at danger of falling into long term unemployment. A person cannot apply for a Tús supported position and all selection is undertaken by random processes undertaken by the Department of Social Protection.
Persons in receipt of disability allowance are eligible for a range of other job activation initiatives, including community employment. The Deputy should note that I increased the range of options available to persons in receipt of disability allowance by announcing that with effect from the 28th of May 2012 the eligibility for JobBridge - the national internship scheme – was broadened to include people in receipt of disability allowance.
