Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Two weeks ago, I went to Caherlistrane, near Tuam, to see a rural social scheme in operation with the Minister of State, Deputy Seán Canney. I was very impressed by it. I compliment Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív on setting up the scheme when he was Minister. It is a useful scheme in areas on the western seaboard where there is not much opportunity for off-farm income. I hope we will be able to provide extra places for it next year. However, that is a budgetary matter currently under negotiation. The Deputy is correct that it is specifically mentioned in the programme for Government.

It is intended that the Tús scheme will continue. It is important to bear in mind there are many schemes in place such as CE2, JobBridge and Gateway. A number of scheme places were flexed up during the recession and are now beginning to fall off with the economy recovering. I acknowledge there are different parts of the country where employment is hard to find. We may need to consider a different set of rules for these areas, especially where they cannot fill places.

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