Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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419. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if he is aware that there is a disincentive for participants moving from TÚS to CE, given that they lose their entitlement to social protection benefits, which they were allowed retain while they were on Tús such as free travel, fuel allowance and could he explain why there is a difference between the two initiatives. [26823/25]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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My Department provides a range of supports and programmes catering for the unemployed and those most distant from the labour market, which includes both the Tús programme and Community Employment. It is recognised by Government that both programmes are positive initiatives that enable participants to make a significant contribution to their communities whilst up-skilling themselves for prospective future employment.

When a person moves from a Social Welfare payment to an employment support scheme such as the Tús programme or a Community Employment Scheme they may retain their secondary benefits such as Fuel Allowance and Free Travel. The retention of the secondary benefits is subject to continuing to satisfy the relevant qualifying conditions.

My Department officials is not aware of any recent cases where a person has lost their entitlement to secondary benefits solely because of their participation on a Tús programme or a Community Employment Scheme. If the Deputy is aware of any such case, I would ask the Deputy to pass on the relevant details and I will ask my Department officials to examine the circumstances.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.