Claire Kerrane
Question:404. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Social Protection her plans for current job clubs in counties Sligo, Leitrim and Donegal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33058/21]
View answerTuesday, 22 June 2021
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Written answers
The current contracts for all contracted employment services, including the Job Clubs in Leitrim and Donegal, expire at the end of 2021. There is no Job Club in Sligo.
The 2018 Indecon Review of Job Clubs recommended that the Department consider integrating LES and Job Clubs into one service thereby reducing administrative duplication and supporting a more effective and efficient overall employment support service.
On this basis, the current ongoing procurement of Regional Employment Services across seven counties, including Sligo, Leitrim and Donegal, will see the new employment service provide a range of employment services including services similar to those currently provided by Local Employment Services and Job Clubs.
It is expected that organisations such as the Job Club providers in Leitrim and Donegal with strong experience in the delivery of similar services at a community and local level will be in a strong position to work collaboratively with similar organisations to engage with the current procurement process.