I propose to take Questions Nos. 1476 to 1478, inclusive, together.
Tús provides work placements for a twelve month period for those who are on the Live Register for a year or more. The initiative helps break the cycle of long-term unemployment by providing a work routine and valuable work experience. 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.
Table 1
below gives a breakdown by year of participants under 26 years of age who commenced on the Tús scheme during the years 2015-2018. An estimate of the additional annual cost of employing persons who are under 26 years of age on the Tús programme is outlined in Table 2. This costing is based on 52 weeks payment of the personal rate and does not include an increase for a qualified adult or an increase for a qualified child/ren or any other associated costs.
Table 1
Year
|
Participants who commenced Tús under 26 years of age
|
2015
|
1,586
|
2016
|
1,503
|
2017
|
1,115
|
2018
|
858
|
Table 2
Age
|
Weekly Jobseekers Allowance ( JA) personal rate
|
Tús weekly personal rate of payment
|
Estimated full year additional personal rate cost between JA and Tús
|
Aged 25 years
|
€157.80
|
€225.50
|
€3,520.40
|
Aged under 25 years
|
€112.70
|
€225.50
|
€5,865.60
|
I hope this clarifies the position for you.