Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 October 2018
619. Deputy John Brassil asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if annual contracts for local employment services will be reviewed; her views on developing a national, community based not-for-profit employment service that recognises rural employment, underemployment and seasonal employment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43245/18]
View answerIt is expected that there will be no change to the existing approach to contractual arrangements for 2019. Contracts are currently with divisional managers and they will be circulated to Local Employment Services as soon as possible.
All jobseekers develop with their case officer a personal progression plans, PPPs, which is reflective of the individual jobseeker’s personal circumstances. These PPPs take into account the ability to access to local employment types.
Seasonal workers are normally dealt with through our Intreo or JobPath strategies, where case officers will routinely take into account the length of the season for the particular employment type when considering a progression plan.
The focus of my Department is to support those who are unemployed to move to secure, sustainable, full-time employment. Whether this service is conducted through a contracted, community based, or internal activation service, a case officer will take account of all personal circumstances while working with the jobseeker to develop and pursue a progression plan.
In looking to the future, my Department commissioned Indecon to conduct a review of the performance and governance of Local Employment Services and Job Clubs. LES and Job Club providers were aware of the Indecon review and were consulted during the review process. Indecon have completed their review and their reports are currently under consideration by my Department.
I hope this clarifies matters for the Deputy.
