Paul McAuliffe
Question:60. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Social Protection if the new local employment schemes contract will cater for walk-ins; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48612/21]
View answerThursday, 7 October 2021
Questions (60)
Written answers
My Department is currently at an advanced stage in its first phase of procuring new employment services. This involves the procurement of regional employment services for seven counties in the Midlands and North-West across four lots. These counties have no existing local employment service and represent the first phase of an expansion of employment services.Phase two of the process was to have seen service in place by January 2022. This has now been temporarily postponed giving potential tenderers additional time to prepare collaborative joint bids. Learnings from the first phase will be applied to subsequent Requests for Tenders that will see the expansion of this model throughout the rest of the State. 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.Under the RFT for the Regional Employment Service, the Department will be able to refer long term jobseekers to the new services as well as other cohorts on a voluntary basis such as lone parents and qualified adults. All referrals will be managed by the Department’s Intreo offices and they will determine the best employment service for an individual based on their specific circumstances and requirements. In many cases the supports to individuals will be delivered through the Department’s Intreo offices or they may be referred to the new Regional Employment Service. If an individual is not in receipt of a social welfare payment, they should contact their local Intreo office who will offer them support and advice and may refer them to the Regional Employment Service, as appropriate. The focus will be on getting the right people the right resources at the right time.