Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:1140. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection her plans to privatise local employment services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3911/20]
View answerWednesday, 13 May 2020
Questions (1140, 1141)
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:1141. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the developed tenders that would allow private companies to apply for local employment services contracts; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3912/20]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1140 and 1141 together.
Local Employment Services are contracted out by the State to external providers who provide a service to the long term unemployed and other categories of people distant to the labour market with a view to securing full-time sustainable employment.
My Department is in the process of reviewing all contracted public employment services. In the context of having quality employment services that are fit for purpose and provide value for money, my Department will work to ensure any future contracts are fully consistent with EU procurement law, including the principles of open and transparent procurement.
This process is ongoing and my Department has engaged with external consultants to explore the most appropriate models of contracted employment services for the Irish labour market. Officials from my Department have engaged with the Local Employment Services, visiting all twenty-two contractors throughout the State in recent months to ensure their views are incorporated into any deliberations. My intention is to continue this engagement insofar as it is compatible with procurement law.