Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 9 November 2017
243. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if a charge of €100 for a community organisation in County Donegal that has a Tús participant working in the organisation is a countrywide charge or if this is a charge introduced by a company (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47352/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware Tús is a community work placement initiative designed to provide short-term, work opportunities for those who are unemployed for more than a year. The scheme is delivered through the network of local development companies and Údarás na Gaeltachta. These are known as Implementing bodies (IB).
There are no specific charges set by the Department for Tús participants on a work placement However the terms and conditions of the Tús scheme do not preclude an Implementing Body from seeking a financial contribution from the community or a placement provider to offset the costs of services delivered or towards the cost of providing equipment and inputs. The arrangements regarding any such contribution remain a matter between the IB and the voluntary groups concerned.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
