Written answers

Tuesday, 18 December 2012

Department of Social Protection

Local Authority Social Scheme

Photo of Dara CallearyDara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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To ask the Minister for Social Protection the details of the proposed local authority social scheme; if it is in fact a repackaged rural social scheme; the supervisory arrangements for same; the qualifying conditions for potential sponsors; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [56267/12]

Photo of Joan BurtonJoan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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The Government, as part of the Budget package for 2013 announce a number of initiatives focused on providing work opportunities for those currently unemployed. The key elements of this package are to add an additional 2,000 places on community employment, 2,500 to Tús – the community work placement initiative - and the development of a new initiative with local authorities to provide 3,000 opportunities in 2013. This is in line with the commitments set out in the Action Plan for Jobs and Pathways to Work.

Development work on this new initiative will begin in the coming weeks with the local authorities. The design and work to be undertaken under this new initiative will require consultation with a broad range of stakeholders, including those bodies responsible for the delivery of other schemes funded by the Department of Social Protection, including the rural social scheme. The Deputy should note that both the rural social scheme and Tús are dependent on the community, voluntary and not-for-profit sector to provide the work placement opportunities. Local authorities or other public bodies are not eligible for support from these schemes.

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