Tús Programme

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 January 2018

Tuesday, 30 January 2018

Ceisteanna (586, 587)

James Browne

Ceist:

586. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection to set out the number of Tús supervisors being laid off; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4095/18]

James Browne

Ceist:

587. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if funding will be directed towards upskilling Tús supervisors; if such supervisors will be able to move to similar departments, such as LEADER or the county council; if such supervisors will be able to carry over their years of service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4096/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection

I propose to take Questions Nos. 586 and 587 together.

As the Deputy is aware, Tús is a work placement scheme. It aims to provide short-term quality work opportunities for those who are unemployed while also assisting in providing certain services of benefit to communities. The scheme commenced operation in 2011 as a response to the high level of unemployment and the large numbers on the Live Register at that time.

There are 47 Local Development Companies (LDCs) as well as Údarás na Gaeltachta involved in the delivery of the Tús programme.

My Department is very conscious of the valuable contribution the Tús scheme is making in the provision of services to individuals and communities across Ireland.

The Deputy will appreciate that with the ongoing welcome reduction in the unemployment rate and the availability of job opportunities in the open labour market, in this context it is important to continually review schemes such as Tús.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.