Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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253. To ask the Minister for Social Protection if a person (details supplied) can extend their participation on a Tús scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28176/16]

Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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269. To ask the Minister for Social Protection if a person (details supplied) can extend their participation on a Tús scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28178/16]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 253 and 269 together.

The purpose of Tús is to provide short-term quality work opportunities for those who are unemployed for more than one year. Tús helps to break the cycle of unemployment and improves a participant’s chances of returning to the labour market. Currently, there are no circumstances under which a person’s term on Tús can be extended.

The Tús budget for 2016 allows for 8,000 participants. Extending the period of participation beyond one year for current participants would reduce the number of placements available to other people who are long-term unemployed. This would deprive them of an opportunity to participate on the scheme. I consider the existing 12-month placement period on Tús is appropriate for meeting the objectives of the initiative, while also ensuring that as many unemployed people as possible are able to benefit from it.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.