Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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678. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection her plans under development to extend the Tús scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12056/19]

Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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It is recognised by Government that Tús is a positive initiative that enables the long-term unemployed to make a contribution to their communities whilst up-skilling themselves for prospective future employment.

Tús provides work placements for a twelve month period for those who are on the Live Register for a year or more. This initiative helps break the cycle of long-term unemployment by providing a work routine and valuable work experience. At present, there are no plans to change the eligibility criteria for participation on Tús or the duration of the placements. It is considered that the existing criteria is adequate to meet the programme’s objectives.

If a person is interested in pursuing a work placement with training and development opportunities, it is open to them to apply for a placement on a Community Employment (CE) scheme.

The Department keeps all aspects of its activation programmes under review to ensure the best outcomes for participants and communities whilst also having regard to the, thankfully, much reduced number of people claiming jobseeker's payments. The Government is very mindful of the large number of work programme places involved in service delivery and other valuable services to individuals and communities across Ireland.