Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 1 July 2015
53. Deputy Jack Wall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if a person (details supplied) in County Kildare may complete a back to work course through a local Intreo office; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26514/15]
View answerThe client concerned is registered with his Local Employment Service (LES). The LES are contracted by the Department, among other things, to engage with DSP customers referred to them for activation. A LES mediator is assigned to each referred client who is contracted to work with that client, up to a 12 month period, in identifying a pathway back to work. Training and education is just one option from a range of options that should be discussed between the client and the mediator. The LES have an annual dedicated mediator training fund which is managed by each LES with a view to ensuring they allocate their budget in a coherent manner over the period and target funding at those who require it most. As the LES in question are six months in to their annual contract the client should re-engage with their mediator with regard their agreed progression plan and pathway back to employment.
