James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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245. To ask the Minister for Social Protection if he will extend the Tús scheme from one year to two years to allow further progression and experience by the employee and employer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29233/16]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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The purpose of Tús is to provide short-term work opportunities for those who are unemployed for more than one year. Tús breaks the cycle of unemployment and improves a person’s chances of returning to the labour market. Currently, there are no circumstances under which a person’s term on Tús can be extended beyond one year.

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. The existing 12-month placement period on Tús is considered adequate to meet the objectives of the initiative, while also ensuring that as many unemployed people as possible are able to benefit from it.

Tús was introduced as a direct response to the growth in the level of unemployment during the financial crisis. With the ongoing welcome reductions in the live register, a review of work schemes, including Tús, is necessary. This will ensure that the number and nature of schemes, and the conditions governing participation on them, continues to be appropriate. I will be considering all of these issues over the coming months.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.