Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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Question 135: To ask the Minister for Social Protection, further to Question No. 141 of 15 February 2012, her views on a matter (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10457/12]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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The purpose of Tús is to focus on those people who are long-term unemployed. For this reason, eligibility for both participatory and supervisory positions on Tús is at present confined to those on the Live Register for 12 months and in receipt of jobseeker's allowance. These provisions are to ensure a targeted approach to those currently affected by long-term unemployment.

A review of Tús will be initiated over the coming months to assess the effectiveness and efficiency of the initiative. This review will allow for changes to be made to the initiative where these are considered necessary.

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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Question 137: To ask the Minister for Social Protection the number of community employment schemes in counties Cavan and Monaghan that are having their training and materials grant allocations reviewed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10473/12]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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There are 11 Community Employment (CE) projects in Co Cavan and 13 projects in Co Monaghan. I have requested a financial review of all CE projects and I am advised by Department officials in Cavan and Monaghan that the CE Sponsors in both counties have fully engaged in the review process.

As already stated we will be ceasing the current practice of allocating the same level of training and materials grant to all projects. It is anticipated that CE projects will see a reduction in the level of grant aid allocated in 2012 as funding will be allocated according to the needs of the participants and the project circumstances. The purpose of the financial review is to establish the level of need and this review should be completed by the end of March 2012.