Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 7 October 2021
255. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will consider reviewing the decision to change the tendering process to "for profit" as in the case of the recent campaign by community-based employment services (details supplied); and if the concerns of the existing employment services workers have been taken into consideration. [43747/21]
View answerLocal Employments Services contracts have previously been tendered through a closed bid process. My Department has commenced an open tendering process in order to ensure good governance and compliance with procurement rules
I have previously made clear that legal advice from the Attorney General's office obliges my Department to procure its employment services in an open and competitive manner in respect of EU and national procurement rules.
In addition, existing LES contracts are no longer consistent with best practices. The new model includes multi-annual contracts with enhanced key performance indicators and a funding model that allows more autonomy in delivering enhanced services and will lead to better outcomes across the State. The model my Department has designed is a model to deliver high quality individualised employment services to those furthest from the labour market. It is simply not accurate to describe it as 'for profit' model.
The first phase of this procurement is at an advanced stage. This will see the establishment of new employment services for seven counties in the Midlands and North-West which do not have an existing local employment service.
Phase two will see the Regional Employment Service model rolled out across the State. It will take on board learnings from phase one. This significant expansion of employment services will result in State-wide coverage of employment services for those furthest from the labour market for the first time.
Phase two, to have been in place by January 2022, has now been postponed for six months to enable potential tenderers make the necessary preparations to submit a competitive bid.
This procurement process follows extensive consultations by my Department with the existing service providers and employee representatives over the last number of years.
I understand and appreciate the concerns of the sector at the changes proposed. However, current service providers with a strong track record and an openness to cooperation will be well-placed to submit high-quality tenders for the new services.
This procurement process is accessible to the community and voluntary sectors, placing significant emphasis on service quality and local networks.
