Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 January 2017
549. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Social Protection the measures in place to ensure jobseekers who are parents of young children and who are asked to attend appointments with Seetec are reimbursed for child-minding costs relevant to said appointments. [41221/16]
View answer569. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Social Protection if he has considered the added cost of childcare and travel for those participating on jobpath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41586/16]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 549 and 569 together.
JobPath is an approach to the provision of employment services to jobseekers that are long-term unemployed. While engaging with the JobPath service participants are provided with a range of supports based on an assessment of individual needs which may include reasonable costs for travel and childcare. The JobPath providers will also schedule appointments to take account of travel and childcare arrangements if requested.
Both JobPath providers, Seetec and Turas Nua provide an immediate reimbursement for travel expenses upon production of a ticket/evidence of travel. This includes bus routes and mileage costs for the cheapest and most direct travel method available.
The JobPath providers may also provide funding on a case by case basis to jobseekers who incur out of pocket childcare costs when pursuing employment opportunities, including attending JobPath appointments
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
