Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 3 February 2022
20. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Social Protection the steps she is taking to safeguard the jobs including the terms and conditions of the workers in jobs clubs now run by Turas Nua; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5311/22]
View answerLast May my Department under a Phase 1 expansion of employment services, and in accordance with its legal obligations, sought tenders for the provision of the new Local Area Employment Service in Laois/Offaly. I understand that existing Job Club providers in Laois/Offaly did not submit a tender for these counties, removing any chance of them continuing to provide employment services in the area after the end of 2021. The outcome of this open and transparent procurement process was not contested by any party. I understand that all former Job Club staff in Laois/Offaly were offered employment on their existing terms and conditions by the new service provider, I also understand that early last month the staff commenced training with the successful new provider. Accordingly, no person has lost employment or has seen any reduction in their terms and conditions.I am not aware of any Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) recommendation on this matter. However, on 15 December 2021, the WRC did write to my Department regarding ongoing work stoppages in Job Clubs in Offaly and Laois. I understand that these stoppages related to the protests regarding the procurement process generally and that no formal dispute has been registered with the new service provider.My Department is not the employer of any of its service partners' staff. Neither is it a party to an industrial dispute with any of its service partners or their employees. It would therefore be inappropriate for the Department to engage in discussions at the WRC, which is a forum to resolve disputes between an employer and their employees. However, the Department has advised the WRC that it is available to provide any information or clarification directly to the WRC if required.
