Jack Wall
Ceist:443 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Social Protection if there are any exemptions in relation to the qualifying criteria for Tús schemes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25680/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 22 May 2012
Ceisteanna (346)
Freagraí scríofa
The purpose of Tús is to focus on those people who are long-term unemployed and who may not have engaged in activation activity for some time. For this reason, eligibility for both participatory and supervisory positions on Tús is confined to those on the Live Register for at least 12 months and in receipt of jobseeker's allowance. These provisions are to ensure a targeted approach to those currently on the Live Register by breaking the cycle of unemployment and allowing the person improve their work readiness for return to the labour market.
While I appreciate that this can result in difficult consequences for persons actively seeking work, I must balance this against the opportunities that are reserved for those who are in danger of becoming distant from the labour market. I have no plans to alter the eligibility criteria for Tús.