Paul Connaughton (Galway East, Fine Gael)
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Question 85: To ask the Minister for Social Protection when persons on disability allowance will be allowed to participate in schemes such as TUS and internment schemes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23163/12]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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The purpose of Tús is to support the work-readiness of people who are unemployed for a year or more. For this reason, eligibility is confined to those in receipt of a job seekers payment from the Department of Social Protection. These provisions are to ensure a highly targeted approach on those at danger of falling into long term unemployment. Persons in receipt of disability allowance are however eligible for a range of other job activation initiatives, including community employment. This morning I increased the range of options available by announcing that with effect from the 28th of May the eligibility for the national Internship Scheme, Job Bridge, would be altered to include those in of Disability Allowance. This change will take effect from the 28th of May 2012