Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 10 March 2021
564. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding the tendering process for the local employment services scheme; the stage the process is at; the timeline on the roll-out of this model; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12565/21]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, contracts for the existing employment services have been renewed until end-2021.
My Department is currently finalising a new model of employment services in some areas of the State where there are currently no local employment services. The provision of these new employment services will assist in ensuring that we are in a position to support those who have lost their employment arising from the economic impacts of Covid-19.
This is to be followed by the roll-out of new models of employment services across the State, to be in place for January 2022 when current contracts for existing employment services expire.
These new models of employment services will be in line with EU procurement guidelines and current legal advice and will be procured though open competitive procurement processes.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
