Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 July 2021
1089. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will advise on matters raised in correspondence (details supplied) in relation to the local employment service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40868/21]
View answer1097. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Social Protection if the proposed model of employment services will utilise training of LES staff in adult guidance and counselling as part of the proposed changes; the way quality will be maintained within the model with regard to client wrap-around supports; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39123/21]
View answer1100. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Social Protection the way it is envisaged that local community development companies will interact with the proposed regional employment service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39300/21]
View answer1101. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Social Protection the way the existing competencies and capacities in terms of adult guidance and counselling in local employment services will be affected by the proposed regional employment service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39301/21]
View answer1102. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Social Protection the way the quality intensive service for the proposed regional employment service will cater for the needs of clients with complex cases including addiction, homelessness, caring responsibilities, literacy issues, mental or physical health concerns; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39302/21]
View answer1111. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Social Protection if her attention has been drawn to matters in relation to the local employment service (details supplied); and the way in which she proposes getting these clients into full-time sustainable work within such a short timeframe given that payment is for employment only as outlined in this model and who will focus on those facing barriers to employment. [39447/21]
View answer1113. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Social Protection if her attention has been drawn to the fact that all local employment services staff are trained in adult guidance and counselling, funded using public money; the reason her Department will not utilise this investment in the new scheme, instead of introducing a model that does not fit with a guidance service; and the further reason her Department has not chosen to focus on addressing the need for continuous improvement for all local employment service operations within a public service quality model. [39449/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1089, 1097, 1100 to 1102, inclusive, 1111 and 1113 together.
Following on from a review of public employment services in my Department, my officials have commenced a series of procurement exercises to secure appropriate services to engage with the long-term unemployed and other cohorts throughout the State. The focus throughout this exercise is the customer, their needs and how they can be met through customer-centric services delivering the necessary supports in their journey to employment. My Department is conscious of the need to have supports in place at the time that the customer needs them and to be able to respond rapidly to changes in the labour market and the demand for services.
This process was preceded by extensive engagement both at Ministerial and official level since 2019, including site visits by officials to every Local Employment Service, Job Club and Employability service in the State to hear the views of those delivering the services, a briefing to stakeholders on the Indecon Reviews of Local Employment Services and Job Clubs, engagement with stakeholders by external consultants on behalf of the Department and numerous meetings at official and Ministerial level with the representative body, the ILDN, and other stakeholders.
Phase one of the process, involving the procurement of a Regional Employment Service for four lots over seven counties in the Midlands and North-East - areas currently without a local employment service - are at an advanced stage. Phase two will follow in due course with the aim of having services in place for January 2022.
The experience of current local employment services caseworkers in providing a quality service to the long-term unemployed and other cohorts should and no doubt will feature in tenders for the new service. I and my Department will welcome high quality submissions from high quality providers in the sector demonstrating their experience and ability. My Department has put great emphasis on the importance of tenderers demonstrating their ability to deliver a service that addresses the complex needs of those farthest from the labour market. Part of this involves describing how the service can address multiple barriers to labour market entry, including by engaging with the appropriate local and regional services. My Department has consistently informed stakeholders it is important that tenderers submit quality bids that clearly demonstrate their expertise and skill and addresses all aspects of the RFT.
The design of the request for tender for the Regional Employment Service ensures it will be accessible to tenders from the community and voluntary sector, giving due regard to their experience and competencies.
