Patrick Nulty (Dublin West, Labour)
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Question 318: To ask the Minister for Social Protection the number of persons participating in the Tús programme since its inception; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4827/12]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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Tús, the community work placement initiative introduced during 2011, will provide short-term, quality work opportunities for those who are unemployed for more than a year when fully operational. As of 23rd January, 2012, 2,498 persons were in receipt of payroll payments with 5,000 to be employed when Tús is fully operational.

Tús aims to improve the employability and work readiness of participants by providing them with the opportunities to put work skills into practice and learn new ones enabling progression to work, further education or skill development opportunities. In addition, participation on Tús will boost the participant's motivation and confidence, while simultaneously providing prospective employers with evidence that a participant has the necessary skills and abilities to do the job. A review of Tús will be initiated over the coming months to assess the effectiveness and efficiency of the initiative, including an evaluation of outcomes and learning opportunities.