Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 7 October 2021
35. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will take on board concerns expressed by stakeholders in relation to the proposed reform of local employment services and review her plans in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48441/21]
View answer54. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will halt the tendering of local employment services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48553/21]
View answer64. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Social Protection the status of the tender processes for local employment services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48538/21]
View answer71. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Social Protection the changes made to the local employment service model; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48647/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 35, 54, 64 and 71 together.
My Department is now at an advanced stage in its first phase of a two-phase procurement of new employment services. This procurement process follows extensive consultations by my Department with the existing service providers over the last number of years. The new model will extend high quality employment services across the State, deliver enhanced governance arrangements and provide successful tenderers with greater flexibility to innovate and deliver services for their clients.
Phase two will see the Regional Employment Service model rolled out across the State and will take on board the learnings from the first phase. This is a significant expansion of employment services and will result in State-wide coverage of employment services for those furthest from the labour market for the first time.
The Phase two of this procurement process was to have had this service in place by January 2022. This has now been temporarily postponed giving potential tenderers additional time to prepare to submit collaborative joint bids. My Department is in the process of offering current local employment service and Job Club providers, in the Phase two areas, a new contract for a short period into next year. This will enable continuity of service to our customers, while providing potential tenders additional time to work collaboratively on submitting joint bids. The RFTs for Phase two will issue prior to year end and my Department has written to service providers outlining the revised timelines.
Learnings arising from the Phase one procurement are already being incorporated by my Department in preparing the RFT for the remaining lots for the Regional Employment Service under Phase two. My Department is also in ongoing dialogue with the various service providers and representative groups, including staff representatives and will consult with them further, as appropriate, before finalising the RFT for Phase two.
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.
