Employment Support Services

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 October 2011

Tuesday, 25 October 2011

Questions (295)

Mattie McGrath

Question:

314 Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Social Protection if she has a timeframe set out for the review that she wishes to carry out of the operation of the programmes and initiatives funded by her to support persons who are unemployed to return to work, further training and or education; when she expects this review to commence and be completed; the format this review will take; if members of the public will have an opportunity to make submissions to this review; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31580/11]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton)

My Department operates a wide range of supports and initiatives to support the unemployed and other recipients of social welfare payments. Schemes and programmes are monitored on an ongoing basis to ensure they remain fit for purpose. Initial work on the review has commenced. It will take a number of months to complete. The precise format of the review is currently being determined. Employment programmes which are run by FÁS and also training programmes run by FÁS were the subject of a review carried out by Forfas in February of last year. It should also be noted that it is my intention to evaluate the JobBridge Scheme which commenced in July, 2011, and my Department is currently working on a request for tender which will issue shortly.

Question No. 315 answered with Question No. 252.