Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 April 2018
1413. Deputy Michael Harty asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection her plans to reverse proposed cuts to the Tús scheme which would reduce the current national quota of 8,500 to 6,500 participants and reduce 388 supervisors to 325; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15233/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra1414. Deputy Michael Harty asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if the referral of names from her Department to participate on Tús will be accelerated in order that implementing bodies can fill their quotas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15234/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to answer Questions Nos 1413 and 1414 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. 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 - known as Implementing Bodies (IBs).
Recently changes were introduced 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. If an IB is experiences any difficulty obtaining referrals from DEASP, they should liaise with the local DEASP Division who seek to ensure seamless referral of jobseekers to match recruitment patterns.
The Deputy will appreciate that the reduction in the unemployment rate is a factor in recruitment to all programmes. Given the welcome improvements in the labour market in recent years with reducing numbers of long-term unemployed on the Live Register, which is the target cohort for Tús, it is proving difficult to fill the number of places available nationwide. In addition, long-term unemployment is expected to fall further this year. In the five years since the end of December 2012, there has been a 48% fall in the numbers on the Live Register who are more than 1 year unemployed.
In this context the Department is currently engaging with the Irish Local Development Network – the representative body for the IBs.
The Department keeps all aspects of its activation programmes under review to ensure the best outcomes for participants and communities.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
