Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 June 2023
420. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Social Protection to clarify if a social welfare claimant selected for participation in a programme (details supplied) is obliged to sign a PPP; if they do not, if there can be any sanctions applied by her Department; if the claimant has the right to appeal such sanctions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29640/23]
View answerMy Department provides a range of employment services to support jobseekers in preparing for, securing and sustaining employment. These services are provided directly by my Department’s own staff or through the Intreo Partner and other services provided on behalf of my Department.
The Personal Progression Plan (PPP) is a crucial element of each Jobseeker’s engagement with any of my Department’s employment services. The PPP sets out the steps to be taken in order to assist the jobseeker in finding employment, and it is reviewed throughout their engagement period as they develop employment-related skills and competencies or job-related experience from short periods of employment.
Jobseekers have a right to claim an income support from my Department, and a corresponding mandatory requirement to engage with the employment services offered by my Department. While it is desirable that the jobseeker sign the PPP as part of this engagement, a person’s signature is not required in order to proceed with the service.
Where a jobseeker is not engaging with the Department's employment services, reduced rates may be applied to their payment. The application of reduced rates is entirely a matter for my Department and officials involved take all relevant factors into account. Should any reduced rates be applied, the client will have the right to appeal this decision.
I trust this clarifies matters for the Deputy.
