Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Question 231: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment her views on expanding the terms of the work placement programme to enable persons on jobseeker's benefit to avail of the scheme. [34483/09]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The aim of the Work Placement Programme is to provide valuable work experience for 6 months to 2,000 unemployed individuals. Participants on the programme will retain their existing social welfare entitlements for the duration of their placement.

It was agreed that the target cohort of this programme would be those who have been unemployed for a period of 6 months and in receipt of job seekers allowance. This would allow a person on the Live Register to explore their options particularly job search options before a commitment was entered into by the State to pay welfare for 6 months work experience

The programme is limited to those in receipt of job seekers allowance. However, a person receiving job seekers benefit may at any stage opt for jobseekers allowance and, provided they qualify, can avail of the programme.

It is my intention that the programme and its criteria will be reviewed and evaluated in the near future.