Éamon Ó Cuív TD, Minister for Social Protection has announced the arrangements for a new work placement initiative in the community and voluntary sector. The initiative known as Tús, will provide 5,000 short term working opportunities for people unemployed for over a year.
The placements will be with community sector organisations to support the delivery of their services. The Minister said that €30 million is being committed in 2011 to allow for the introduction of Tús and that this would grow to a commitment of €100 million in 2012. Tús joins a range of new and expanded initiatives designed to provide assistance to the unemployed recently announced by the Tánaiste.
Tús, which will operate in rural and urban areas will be delivered using the infrastructure developed for the Rural Social Scheme which has operated in rural areas since 2004. This will ensure that administrative and employment obligations are shared between the Department and Local Development Companies and not by community sector bodies.