Joanna Tuffy (Dublin Mid West, Labour)
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153. To ask the Minister for Social Protection in respect of the Tús and Gateway schemes designed to get the long-term unemployed into employment, the reason participants cannot leave these schemes if they find part-time work (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51323/13]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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Tús and Gateway were introduced by the Department of Social Protection to deliver on the policy objectives set out in Pathways to Work. Both initiatives are designed to bridge the gap between unemployment and re-entering the workforce. Participants on both schemes are required to work in their placement for an average of 19.5 hours per week which allows for participation in part-time work or education. Participants are encouraged to engage in part-time work or education outside the time spent working on the respective scheme. Part-time work or training must not interfere with the participant’s work on Tús or Gateway. Implementing Bodies are required to provide flexible arrangements to accommodate the participant. In general, it is not possible for a participant to terminate their engagement on Tús or Gateway to move to part-time work. Participants are encouraged to engage in work search whilst engaged on the initiatives and will be supported to leave to pursue a full time job option.