Local Employment Service

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 24 March 2021

Wednesday, 24 March 2021

Questions (989)

Claire Kerrane

Question:

989. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Social Protection further to Parliamentary Question No. 564 of 10 March 2021, the employment service model that will replace the local employment schemes from 2021; if the procurement process is ongoing for this replacement; if so, the stage the process is at; if her Department will publish its report on contracted services such as local employment schemes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14700/21]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

My Department is continuing to design the future model of employment service provision, and this will incorporate the learnings from the analysis of existing services as well as best international practice. Key to this process is ensuring that my Department has sufficient capacity in its employment service provision to support those individuals that are unemployed including those who have been impacted by the pandemic. Details of my Department's approach to employment service provision will be contained in the Request for Tenders, which will be published in due course.

I previously informed the House that the external consultants’ report, which reviewed my Department's entire Public Employment Services provision was referred to the Labour Market Advisory Council (LMAC) for their views. I recently received a response from the LMAC, which my officials are currently considering at present.  

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.