Written answers

Thursday, 25 April 2013

Department of Social Protection

Disability Allowance Scheme Criteria

Photo of Charlie McConalogueCharlie McConalogue (Donegal North East, Fianna Fail)
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103. To ask the Minister for Social Protection the reason persons who are currently in receipt of disability allowance are not allowed to pursue schemes under TÚS; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19532/13]

Photo of Joan BurtonJoan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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Tús - the community work placement initiative - came into operation in mid-2011 and to date some 7,824 people have completed or are currently serving in work placements provided by community organisations. 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. A person cannot apply for a Tús supported position and all selection is undertaken by random processes undertaken by the Department of Social Protection.

Persons in receipt of disability allowance are eligible for a range of other job activation initiatives, including community employment. The Deputy should note that I increased the range of options available to persons in receipt of disability allowance by announcing that with effect from the 28th of May 2012 the eligibility for JobBridge - the national internship scheme – was broadened to include people in receipt of disability allowance.

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