Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)

Is the Minister aware that circumstances may arise in which Tús participants will find themselves working alongside community employment scheme participants while enjoying fewer entitlements? Does she agree that this is unfair?

Does the Minister agree that random selection may be a flawed approach in that, for example, persons without a background in sport could be sent to the GAA or the FAI to engage in sports training? The selection process needs to be reviewed. Will the Minister consider allowing those who qualify for the scheme by virtue of having been on the dole for one year to apply to be included in a panel for selection to participate in Tús?

If Tús is to be more than workfare, it must have a strong training element. The Minister has indicated funding is not available for this purpose. Is funding available that could be allocated to partnership groups or local development companies to enable them to provide additional training over and above their current contracts to ensure Tús participants have some access to training and the scheme will deliver real benefits?

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