Written answers

Wednesday, 16 January 2013

Department of Social Protection

Work Placement Programme

Photo of Sandra McLellanSandra McLellan (Cork East, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

To ask the Minister for Social Protection if she will change the criteria for the TÚS schemes to enable unemployed persons to apply; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [58074/12]

Photo of Joan BurtonJoan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Tús, the community work placement initiative introduced during 2011, was initially set up to provide up to 5,000 short-term, quality work opportunities for those who are unemployed for more than a year. To date 7,305 people have completed or are currently on work placements. This figure includes supervisory/team leader positions. As a relatively new initiative, Tús continues to be monitored and developed and to date has proven to be effective in meeting its objectives. As part of the 2013 budget package for my Department, the number of placements available on Tús is being extended by a further 2,400 placements during the coming year with associated provision for supervision.

A person cannot apply to participate on Tús. All selection is undertaken by random processes conducted at local level by the Department of Social Protection. The selection is focused on those on the live register for a year or more and in receipt of a jobseekers’ payment. I consider the current selection process effective and I have no proposals to alter these arrangements. The Deputy should note that a person interested in gaining access to a work placement or internship supported by my Department can avail of opportunities available on community employment schemes and JobBridge. Details are available on the Department website on www.welfare.ie.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.