Thomas Pringle
Question:
8. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the timeline for the procurement process for future employment services; if a payments-by-results model for employment services will be sought despite the unsuitability of this model having been demonstrated in other jurisdictions including here; if the new model will acknowledge distance travelled by which the focus is on the development of the individual as opposed to the sole focus being on the end result of obtaining work; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15368/19]
View answer
My Department is considering different options on the structure of any future contracts and potential models for the public employment service for the period post 2019. My Department is progressing this matter with a view to having contracted public employment services in place from the start of 2020 and will continue to engage in the interim with the relevant stakeholders to the extent that is appropriate under EU procurement guidelines.
The future model for the public employment service will be guided by the dual principles of providing all those seeking employment with the most appropriate assistance, while ensuring, on behalf of taxpayers, a service that is effective and that provides value for money.
While my Department will continue to consider appropriate payment models for the future procurement of contracted public services, I would like to remind the Deputy that, contrary to the assertion in his question, JobPath has been a good example of how a payment by results model can work effectively. Ireland had the benefit of learning from the experiences of other jurisdictions when designing the payment model for JobPath services. This enabled my Department to procure a service that was based on paying JobPath providers when their clients secured proven sustained, full-time, employment. My Department also created inbuilt rigorous inspection and complaints systems to ensure JobPath providers met the high standards set for them.
I share the Deputy's wish that any new model should have the capacity to measure the distance travelled by those furthest from the labour market and this will be at the forefront of my Department's thinking on any future contracting.
Questions Nos. 9 to 12, inclusive, answered orally.
