Paul Connaughton (Galway East, Fine Gael)
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410. To ask the Minister for Social Protection if she intends to put all community employment schemes, rural social schemes and TUS schemes under the umberella of the county councils; if he will state when this will happen; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45847/13]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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The Department of Social Protection directs, funds, and manages a range of work placement and training initiatives in pursuit of Government policies, particularly Pathways to Work. Community employment is the primary scheme through which training associated work placements is delivered via a network of over 1,000 community and voluntary companies and bodies across the country. The rural social scheme is focused primarily at underemployed small farmers and Tús is a community work placement initiative for those out of work for 12 months or more. Both are delivered by local development companies and Údarás na Gaeltachta. The Deputy will be assured that I have not proposals to alter the delivery arrangements as suggested. The Deputy should note that the Department is constantly working to improve the effectiveness of all of its schemes in light of the demands to enhance outcomes for those who are unemployed. This may include looking at new and improved delivery structures in the future.