Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 June 2022
1123. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will extend the Tús scheme to a two-year programme or at least allow the option of an extra year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29943/22]
View answerTús is a targeted activation measure delivered as short-term, community-based work placements for jobseekers who have been unemployed a year or more, that provides opportunities to participants for a duration of one year.
As a first-step activation measure for people who have become long-term unemployed, the objective of Tús is to move participants closer to the labour market, through the provision of structured work opportunities within their community, lasting one year. The aim is to support participants find employment on completion of the programme.
If participants are still unemployed on completion of their Tús placement and continue to require the option of supported employment, further opportunity in this regard is provided by my Department through the Community Employment (CE) scheme. The commencement of a CE placement is available as a progression path for a jobseeker on the completion of Tús, and this can be accessed with the assistance of an employment support officer in their local Intreo centre.
I trust this clarifies matters.
