Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 19 January 2010
98 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the additional supports given to job facilitators to deal with the increased demand for access to support; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1726/10]
View answerFacilitators work with social welfare recipients to identify appropriate training or development programmes which will enhance the skills that the individual has and ultimately improve their employment chances, as well as help them to continue to develop personally. They work in close co-operation with other agencies and service providers including FÁS, VEC, other education and training providers and the local and community and voluntary sector. In addition, they provide advice and support to customers who wish to access the back to education scheme, the back to work scheme, and the short term enterprise allowance scheme of the Department.
The facilitator service is available locally to all social welfare recipients via the local network. Facilitators are assigned to cover a geographical area. They hold open clinics and meet with people who have been referred either by the social welfare local office, the employment support section or by other agencies.
Since September 2008, 23 additional facilitators have been appointed. The number of facilitators currently in place is 63. It is envisaged that this number will increase to 70 in the coming months.
