Jackie Cahill
Question:87. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Social Protection the status of changes to the local employment service model; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [58013/21]
View answerThursday, 25 November 2021
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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 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 consider 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 RFTs for Phase Two will issue prior to year end with an approximate deadline for tenders in March 2022. 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 continuing to engage with its service partners and representative groups, including staff representatives, before finalising the RFT for Phase Two.