I propose to take Questions Nos. 635 to 639, inclusive, together.
In 2022 my Department contracted with 22 Local Employment Services and 27 Job Clubs for the provision of employment services, originally up to 30 June and then further extended until 31 August 2022.
My Department has engaged extensively with existing providers of services in regard to the restructuring of services. Interactions have taken place at local contract management level along with more broader engagement at a central level through the Contracted Public Employment Services Unit of the Department. The specific administrative requirements of contract closure are covered in the agreed contract for services and associated guidelines. My Department will as a matter of course honour all agreements made.
Costs relevant to the provision of LES and Job Clubs service up to the 31 August 2022 will be paid. Relevant costs will be processed provided they relate directly to the period of the contract and have been included in the calculation of the final claim. The final claim can be processed in the month following the end of the contracted term, but may be processed at a later date, depending on the individual circumstances.
The Mediator Fund is designed to assist LES Mediators implement a range of responses to meet the needs of clients who are experiencing barriers in progressing from unemployment to the workforce.
All LES clients, who are engaged with a LES Mediator and are following a Personal Progression Plan, are eligible to apply for support through the Mediator Fund. My Department informed Local Employment Service contractors in January of this year, that all training supported by the Mediator Fund must be availed of and completed within the 6-month contracted term 1 Jan to 30 June 2022. With the extension of contracts to 31st August a further notification issued to contractors that all payments for Mediator Fund supported training must be processed and completed within the contracted term from 1 Jan to 31 August 2022.
The Back to Education Allowance scheme (BTEA) is an educational opportunities scheme for customers in receipt of certain social welfare payments wishing to pursue second or third level courses of education, subject to meeting the qualifying conditions. My Department’s Employment Personal Advisers process all allocations for this scheme and this will remain the case. Any decision in relation to BTEA is not based on attendance nor does it require attendance at a Local Employment Service or Job Club. Any customer wishing to avail of the scheme should contact their local Intreo Centre.
As the Public Employment Service, Intreo offers support to all individuals who require advice and access to employment services. This remains the case whether the person is availing of other services of my Department or not. There are sufficient resources in Intreo and other Intreo Partner services to deliver services to any person who requires them.