Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

201. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the number of the additional 3,000 places for employment support schemes announced in July 2020 that will be allocated to community employment schemes; the number that will be allocated to Tús schemes; the other employment support schemes which will be allocated additional places as part of the figure of 3,000; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27815/20]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

As the Deputy is aware, as part of the July Stimulus Package, the Government announced 3,000 additional places on State Employment Schemes, including Community Employment (CE) and Tús. 

My Department officials are currently reviewing a range of options relating to the allocation of the extra places.

A number of factors will inform the decision on the allocation of the additional places.  These factors will include labour market demands, training and development opportunities, participant development requirements, existing employment support schemes and regional Live Register data.

The additional 3,000 places will be distributed between CE and Tús and a final decision as to the number of places to be allocated to each programme has yet to be taken.  Going forward, Department officials will work with CE sponsoring authorities and Tús implementing bodies to make the additional placements available to suitable initiatives.

Department officials will continue to be available to meet with potential sponsor groups who are considering the introduction of new schemes in their locality, subject to the agreed scheme qualification criteria.

I am fully committed to the future of CE and Tús and I will continue to support and improve the programmes for the benefit of scheme participants and the valuable contribution being made to their local communities.