Job Initiatives

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 23 June 2016

Thursday, 23 June 2016

Questions (162)

Jim Daly

Question:

162. Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Social Protection if jobseekers who are referred to JobPath and also found to be eligible for the EmployAbility service, due to illness, injury, mental ill health or disability, are not best placed to determine whether the JobPath programme is able to provide the additional supports they need, and that if the jobseekers perceive a need for both services or one service over another, then the jobseekers' needs and wishes will govern the referral process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17656/16]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

Where it transpires that a person on JobPath requires additional supports that are not available on JobPath but such supports are available under the EmployAbility Service then the JobPath provider will contact the Department so that arrangements may be made for the person to avail of the EmployAbility Service. A jobseeker who wishes to avail of the EmployAbility Service must apply to the Department’s local Intreo Centre and must provide suitable medical evidence. A decision as to whether or not a person may avail of the Employability Service will have regard to the medical evidence furnished in support of the case.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.