Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 April 2022
1007. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Social Protection if the new system of employment services will be implemented by this summer as intended given that the extension to the procurement process for phase two of the tendering process; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19767/22]
View answerMy Department is currently undertaking a significant expansion of public employment services. In particular, specialised employment services for those farthest from the labour market - previously available in just twelve counties - will soon be available State-wide for the first time.
In the first phase of this procurement, contracts for Intreo Partners - Local Area Employment Services (LAES) were agreed in late 2021 across four lots in seven counties in the Midlands and North-East. These new services are now operational and accepting referrals.
Phase two of this process is currently ongoing. The procurement of phase 2 of Intreo Partners Local Area Employment Services commenced with the publication of the request for tender on 21 December last. In addition, a request for tender for Intreo Partners National Employment Service was published on 3 March last.
My Department recently extended the deadline for both these requests for tenders for both services to 25 April to ensure all interested parties, including the community sector, will have sufficient time to prepare quality tender responses that reflect their experience and capacity to deliver a quality service.
Following detailed compliance checks, the tenders received will be evaluated in accordance with procurement regulations and the preferred tenderers notified in due course. My officials will then proceed to finalising contracts with a view to establishing services at the earliest possible date.
