Joanna Tuffy (Dublin Mid West, Labour)
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Question 109: To ask the Minister for Social Protection if her attention has been drawn to the fact that unemployed persons who were previously in receipt of jobseeker's benefit but deemed ineligible for jobseeker's allowance because of their spouses earnings are not permitted to participate in the jobs initiative scheme; her plans to rectify this anomaly; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16040/11]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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The purpose of the Tús scheme is to focus on those people who are long-term unemployed. For this reason, eligibility is at present confined to those on the Live Register for 12 months and in receipt of jobseeker's allowance. Participants will, in the first instance, be identified by the Department of Social Protection by applying the following conditions: · A person must be unemployed and in receipt of a jobseeker's payment for at least 12 months, and · Currently be in receipt of jobseeker's allowance, and · Be fully unemployed. These provisions are to ensure a targeted approach to those currently affected by long-term unemployment.

I have no plans to amend the criteria at this time. The operation of Tús, including the eligibility criteria, will be kept under review and will inform the evaluation process in due course.

I have no plans to amend the criteria at this time. The operation of Tús, including the eligibility criteria, will be kept under review and will inform the evaluation process in due course.