Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 23 June 2022
366. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Social Protection her plans to support persons currently availing of Jobs Clubs nationwide; the future of Jobs Clubs in Ireland; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33371/22]
View answerJob Clubs currently provide a short-term employment service to job-ready clients under contract to my Department.
The Department is currently procuring a significant expansion of employment services that will see the delivery of an enhanced nation-wide service designed to support those most distant from the labour market. This revised model will see the implementation of the main recommendations from the 2018 Indecon Review of Job Clubs. These include the consolidate of the provision of existing employment services, enhanced governance and the procurement of services via open competitive procurement in accordance with the State’s legal obligations. The new Intreo Partners Local Area Employment Service is designed to provide broader supports for up to eighteen months to the long-term unemployed and others seeking to return to the labour market.
The new Intreo Partners Local Area Employment Services will cover a greater geographical area than the existing Job Clubs, with nationwide coverage for the first time. The enhanced selection of jobseeker supports will be a significant improvement on the Job Club model.
Most of the current Job Club contracts have now been extended until the end of August, enabling those currently engaging with the Job Clubs to complete their engagement.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
