Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 3 February 2022
54. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason additional funding to cover the cost of staff increments is not being awarded to an organisation (details supplied); if her attention has been drawn to the historic funding precedent under which funding for staff increments was paid previously; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5474/22]
View answerMy Department enters into 'contracts of service' with organisations for the provision of a variety of employment services, including EmployAbility services. The contracts describe the employment service to be delivered, the duration of the contract and the funding available for delivery. EmployAbility contracts run from the 1 January to the 31 December each year.
My Department has agreed contracts with 23 EmployAbility service providers, including Mayo EmployAbility Service, for the provision of services for 2022, based on a bid proposal that is balanced against both the level of service required by the Department and the available funding. The EmployAbility Service provides support to people with disabilities to secure and maintain paid employment in the open labour market leading to independence and career progression. It is a nationwide service and is delivered under contract on behalf of my Department. The total value of the contracts for 2022 is €10.6m.
On entering into an EmployAbility contract, an organisation understands and accepts that the contract is time limited and has a limited contract value. A 'contract of service' requires the contractor to provide, and accept responsibility for, all aspects of the service delivery, including the provision of staff. However, the terms and conditions of those staff, which may already be in existence, is solely a matter for the organisations employing them. In respect of Mayo EmployAbility Service and staff increments, this is a matter for the EmployAbility Service provider as the employer.
The contract value for a particular contract is established based on the previous level of funding and service level provided under previous contracts. In general, any increases within any subhead area is only considered where there are proposals for increased service provision and performance, and where the overall EmployAbility Service Budget allows for such an increase. My Department evaluates the proposal, based on both proposed and previous service level and contract values. Once evaluated the proposed contract agreement is issued to the provider with the Department's assessment of the contract valuation for the relevant provider and it is then the decision of the service provider to sign the relevant agreement confirming that they accept the contract value as offered.
My Department recognises and values the expertise and dedication of the EmployAbility staff in the delivery of an efficient and committed EmployAbility service. However, the provision of a contracted service must be within the approved funding as agreed in the contract.
