Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 March 2018
602. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if she will address queries (details supplied) with regard to extending Tús participation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14075/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra611. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the rationale for the one year limit a person can spend on Tús; her plans to extend this to two years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14168/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 602 and 611 together.
Tús is one of a range of supports provided by my Department to cater for long-term unemployed jobseekers and those most distant from the labour market. It provides part-time temporary work in local communities, as a stepping-stone back to employment. However, it is important to note that these placements are not full-time sustainable jobs and are designed to break the cycle of unemployment and maintain work readiness, thereby improving a person’s opportunities of returning to the labour market or getting a job for the first time. The Deputies will appreciate that the welcome reduction in the unemployment rate is a factor in recruitment to all programmes. Long-term unemployment is expected to fall further this year in line with the continuing forecasted fall in overall unemployment.
Currently, participants can remain on Tús for one year and I have no plans to change this. However, changes were introduced recently to the selection criteria for Tús which should broaden the availability of Tús to a greater number of people on the live register. This includes an increase in the percentage of assisted referrals from 20% to 30%, as well as permitting someone who has had a break of up to 30 days on the Live Register in the past 12 months to be considered eligible for Tús selection.
The Department keeps all aspects of its activation programmes under review to ensure the best outcomes for participants and communities. The Government is very mindful of the large number of work programme places involved in service delivery and other valuable services around the country.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputies.
