Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Question 665: To ask the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding the new community work programme; the reason for the delay in same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48426/10]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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The Minister for Finance announced a community work placement initiative for up to 5,000 persons in his Budget statements to the Dáil on the 7th December 2010. This initiative, to be known as Tús, was launched by me on the 21st December 2010. The aims of Tús are to provide short-term, quality work opportunities for those who are unemployed for more than a year. Tús will be delivered at local level by each of the Local Development Companies and by Údarás na Gaeltachta.

Work has already begun on the roll-out of Tús in Westmeath and in the Northside Partnership area in Dublin. To participate, potential candidates have until the 24th January to respond to a request issued by my Department and I expect the first placements to be offered to candidates in February. Implementation will follow in other areas as other Local Development Companies conclude arrangements with my Department. I do not accept that there has been any delay in rolling out the programme and I will be working to ensure this is done as expeditiously as possible.