Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 June 2016
333. Deputy Frank O'Rourke asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will consider extending the placement period on Tús – work placement initiative from 12 to 18 or 24 months for those who wish to continue beyond the set 12-month period; the cost of this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16020/16]
View answerThe purpose of Tús is the provision of short-term quality work opportunities for those who are unemployed for more than one year in order to break the cycle of unemployment and to improve a person’s opportunities in returning to the labour market. Currently, there are no circumstances under which a person’s term on Tús can be extended.
The Tús budget for 2016 is €121.08 million which allows for 8,000 participants. Extending the period of participation beyond one year would not impact on the cost of the programme but would instead reduce the number of placements available to those who are long term unemployed. Currently the existing 12-month placement period on Tús is adequate to meet the objectives of the initiative whilst also ensuring that as many unemployed people as possible are able to benefit from the initiative.
Tús was introduced as a direct response to the growth in the level of unemployment during the financial crisis. With the ongoing welcome reductions in the live register, a review of work schemes, including Tús, is necessary to ensure that the number and nature of schemes and the conditions governing participation on same continues to be appropriate. I will be considering all of these issues over the coming months.
