Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 6 October 2015
213. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection her plans to amalgamate the rural social scheme and the Tús work placement initiative; if there will be a time-limit within which participants must spend on the new scheme; if there will be public consultation on this change before it is introduced; the expected date of introduction of the new scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34400/15]
View answerThe Department of Social Protection operates a number of programmes and initiatives including Tús – the community work placement initiative, and the rural social scheme. These schemes are delivered locally by local development companies and Údarás na Gaeltachta in Gaeltacht areas. Various community services and activities are also directly and indirect supported by participants.
Tús was introduced and numbers on other schemes expanded as a direct response to the growth in the level of unemployment during the financial crisis. As the economic recovery takes hold and the overall level of unemployment falls, the Department recognises the need to adapt these schemes to the changing circumstances, opportunities and needs of jobseekers and others. While the Department has no plans at present for a single scheme, it must however reflect the changing circumstances and underlying rationale and resource commitments for the number of interventions now being delivered. The Department will continue to work with stakeholders in planning the longer term needs of jobseekers and other customers. I remain committed to ensuring the ongoing recognition and support of the strong social inclusion and community benefits that accrue from these schemes.
