Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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197. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if the planned single scheme to replace the work placement initiative, the rural social scheme, the gateway scheme and the community employment schemes will focus on individual activation rather than on the wider social inclusion and community benefit of the above named schemes; and if it is intended to consult with all the relevant stakeholders concerning the new model. [33150/15]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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202. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the impact on the educational outcomes of participants in community employment schemes for instance, but due to the shorter duration of the new single activation scheme being planned to replace community employment schemes, Tús - the workplace initiative, the rural social scheme and the gateway scheme. [33218/15]

Kevin Humphreys (Dublin South East, Labour)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 197 and 202 together.

The Department of Social Protection operates a number of programmes and initiatives including the Tús – the community work placement initiative, the rural social scheme, gateway and the community employment scheme. These schemes are administered locally by local development companies, Local Authorities and local not-for-profit sponsor groups.

The primary objective of these interventions is to support jobseekers, people with disabilities and other categories of customers in receipt of a social protection payment to receive training, work experience and/or income support. Various community services and activities are also directly and indirect supported by those who are engaged. The interventions play an important role in upgrading the skill level of participants and provide an important link to the labour market by maintaining the work readiness of participants. Tús and gateway were introduced as a direct response to the growth in the level of unemployment during the financial crisis while number on community employment expanded.

As the economic recovery takes hold and the overall level of unemployment falls, the Department recognises the need to adapt these schemes to the changing circumstances, opportunities and needs of jobseekers and others. While the Department has no plans for a single scheme, it must however reflect the changing circumstances and underlying rationale and resource commitments for the number of interventions now being delivered. The Department will continue to work with stakeholders in planning the longer term needs of jobseekers and other customers. Some €553m was allocated for the operation of these interventions in 2015 supporting around 39,000 people in work and training placements.

I remain committed to ensuring the ongoing recognition and support of the strong social inclusionand community benefits that accrue from these schemes.