Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick, Fine Gael)
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365. To ask the Minister for Social Protection her plans to allow jobseeker's selected and approved to take part in a TUS programme to work within a school environment where assistance could be offered especially in sports coaching; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30278/13]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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Tús is a community work placement initiative aimed at providing up to 7,500 short-term, quality work opportunities for those who are unemployed for more than a year. The initiative is being delivered through the network of local development companies and Údarás na Gaeltachta in Gaeltacht areas – referred to as Implementing Bodies (IBs). Implementing Bodies play the lead-role in identifying organisations to provide placement opportunities.

In general, all types of work delivered by and in the community and voluntary sectors can be considered eligible, including assistance with recreational opportunities for adults/young people including coaching and training, once it does not displace existing employment or other public or private sector employment. Organisations wishing to offer work placements or want certain works to be undertaken can contact the local development company in the county in which they are situated setting out the work to be undertaken, the skills required and the length of time it is anticipated to execute the works. The local development company is well placed to make an assessment of eligibility and work quality within the rules and conditions governing the operation of Tús.