Labour Activation Measures

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 5 March 2015

Thursday, 5 March 2015

Questions (42)

Ruth Coppinger

Question:

42. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if she will remove any penalties to social welfare recipients due to non-participation in labour activation schemes, in view of the National Youth Council of Ireland's report (details supplied), which found that of the 13.3% of respondents who felt compelled to participate in JobBridge 100% were dissatisfied with their experience; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9368/15]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection

The NYCI report recommended that penalties should not apply in the case of jobseekers who refuse to participate in the new First Steps employment programme. I note that this recommendation was derived from a small study of eighty self-selected respondents of whom just seven participated in a follow up structured interview.

Given its limitations this study cannot form the basis for any policy decisions.

The current arrangements are fair in my view and represent a good balance of rights and responsibilities. Therefore I do not propose to alter the conditions relating to the application of penalty payments.