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Work Placement Programmes

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 April 2014

Tuesday, 8 April 2014

Questions (316)

Robert Troy

Question:

316. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will consider extending the term of eligibility for Tús workers from the current position of one year as this is extremely restrictive; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16689/14]

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Written answers

Tús, the community work placement initiative introduced during 2011, was set up to provide short-term, work opportunities for those who are unemployed for more than a year. This initiative is being delivered through the network of local development companies and Údarás na Gaeltachta. Tús is designed to break the cycle of unemployment and maintain work readiness thereby improving a person’s opportunities in returning to the labour market.

The duration of the Tús contract was set to reflect a number of inter-related elements. These include the need to ensure that limited numbers of placements available are opened to those on the live register, that weaknesses identified in other work programmes resulting from longer duration placements are not replicated in Tús, optimisation of the resources available, and how Tús fits with the objectives set out in the Government’s activation policies in Pathways to Work.

It also ensures that as many people unemployed for over 12 months are able to benefit from the initiative. As of the week ending 30 March 2014, 7,233 participants were working and in receipt of a payment on Tús. An additional 368 full-time supervisory/team leader personnel had been engaged by the implementing bodies for Tús. Since its inception in July 2011, some 16,314 participants have been engaged on Tús.

There are no circumstances under which a person’s term on Tús will be extended beyond 12 months and I consider the existing 12-month period on Tús to be adequate to meet the programme’s objectives.

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