Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 13 July 2016
149. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Social Protection the procedures and checks he carries out as part of the procurement process to assess the suitability of individual companies which tender to provide services in social protection offices; if he actively considers these companies' ability to comply with employment law prior to awarding the tender; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21565/16]
View answerFollowing clarification from your office, the “services” to which this Parliamentary Question relates to are “services provided by local Social Welfare branch offices”.
The Department’s network of Intreo centres is complemented by 60 Branch Offices at various locations across the country. Each Branch Office is operated and managed by a Branch Manager under a contract for services to provide an agreed service for the Department.
When a vacancy for a Branch Manager position arises, the vacancy is filled through an open competitive selection process. The vacancy is advertised in the local and national newspapers and on JobsIreland.ie to attract interested and suitable candidates. The selection process involves an interview and takes into account the premises being proposed by each candidate for the operation of the contracted service.
Following the interview/premises approval process, and subject to final approval by me as Minister, the successful candidate is offered an appointment as Branch Manager on a contract for services basis. Currently, contracts are only awarded to individuals as a personal service is required to be rendered as part of the contract arrangements. Consequently, companies are precluded from holding the position of a Branch Manager.
Each individual Branch Manager is responsible for the employment of staff in their office to carry out the services as outlined in his/her contract with the Department. It is the responsibility of the Branch Manager, as an employer, to comply with employment legislation and discharge their relevant legal obligations.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
