Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 November 2015
127. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection who decides when a person's jobseeker's payment can be cut; on what criteria is this decision based; and if this is at the discretion of a private company, such as Seetac and Turas Nua, which have been tasked with the privatisation of the job placement role of her Department. [40209/15]
View answerAll decisions regarding a person’s welfare entitlements are made by deciding officers of the Department. The application of a sanction to a jobseeker’s payment is governed by the provisions of the Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005, as amended by the Social Welfare and Pensions (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2013. JobPath companies cannot make any decisions regarding a person’s welfare entitlements.
JobPath is a new approach to employment activation that will support people who are long-term unemployed and those most at risk of becoming long-term unemployed to secure and sustain paid employment. Each participant on JobPath is assigned to a personal advisor who assesses a person’s skills, experience and challenges. They draw up a “personal progression plan” that includes a schedule of activities, actions and job targets. Participants receive tailored individual supports and may avail of a range of activities including online modules, career advice, CV preparation, interview skills as well as further education and training opportunities. If they get a job they may continue to receive support for the first year of employment.
