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Community Work Initiatives

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 October 2013

Tuesday, 15 October 2013

Questions (144, 154, 164)

Terence Flanagan

Question:

144. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Social Protection her plans to introduce a Tús training budget so that persons may expand their skills to progress in the labour market while taking part in the scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43257/13]

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Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

154. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will seek to secure on behalf of child care sector Tús programme participants the opportunity to remain on Tús until they achieve level 5 certification or to proceed to community employment, regardless of age; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38769/13]

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Richard Boyd Barrett

Question:

164. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of persons taking part in the Tús scheme and the cost of same to the Exchequer. [43453/13]

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Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 144, 154 and 164 together.

The purpose of Tús is to maintain the work readiness of those on the live register for a period of at least 12 months by providing quality placement opportunities and other supports to help people back to the labour market and work. The primary programme for unemployed people and those seeking to return to work from other social protection payment schemes is community employment. I do not consider it good value for money to have multiple schemes pursuing the same objectives which is why Tús does not offer same training and development opportunities as community employment. The 12-month duration on Tús is designed to ensure that the benefits are offered to the greatest number of those eligible. There are no circumstances under which a person’s term on Tús can be extended nor I am persuaded that such a development is warranted. The Deputies will wish to note that the Department will implement a number of innovations to Tús and community employment to provide for greater development opportunities for participants across the programmes and where suitable progression opportunities are identified. The level of funding provided for Tús in 2013 is just over €96m which has enabled the allocation of 7,500 nationally plus supervisory positions with local development companies. As of 4 October, 6,783 participants plus 371 supervisory staff were on the payroll. Just over 13,000 people have been engaged on Tús since it commenced operations in July 2011.

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