Charlie McConalogue (Donegal North East, Fianna Fail)
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Question 152: To ask the Minister for Social Protection if she will consider increasing the number of Tús places available; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1747/12]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal North East, Fianna Fail)
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Question 153: To ask the Minister for Social Protection if she will extend the length of the Tús contract beyond one year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1748/12]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 152 and 153 together.

Tús, the community work placement initiative introduced during 2011, will provide up to 5,000 short-term, quality work opportunities for those who are unemployed for more than a year when fully operational. This initiative is being delivered through the network of local development companies and Údarás na Gaeltachta and, at the end of December 2011, over 2,250 people are engaged in the delivery of services nationally.

Consideration of the expansion of this initiative can only be undertaken in the context of the resources allocated to my Department. The funds allocated for 2012 amount to €84m. These funds are required to meet the pay costs of participants and supervisors, provision of materials, insurance, health and safety, training and related operational costs. I have no plans to increase the number of places available on this initiative at this time.

The purpose of Tús is the provision of quality work for those who are unemployed in order to break the cycle of unemployment and to improve a person's opportunities in returning to the labour market. I consider the existing 12-month period on Tús to be adequate to meet the objectives of the initiative whilst also ensuring that as many unemployed people as possible are able to benefit. I intend to keep the operations of this initiative under review.