Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 13 July 2023
508. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Social Protection if the suite of interventions to support placement in developmental roles needs to change now that unemployment is so low and those who need to be placed often have greater needs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35412/23]
View answerThe economic and labour market outlook for Ireland is currently positive. According to the latest estimates from the CSO (Q1, 2023), the number of people in employment is now over 2.6 million, the highest level in the history of the State, while participation rates in the economy continue to be above where they stood pre-pandemic, driven primarily by an increase in female participation. Furthermore, the unemployment rate is currently estimated at 3.8 percent, which is considered to be full employment.
Despite the significant improvement in the labour market, I am conscious that there are still people who face barriers to securing a job, and require intensive, tailored supports to compete in the job market. The Government’s national employment services strategy, Pathways to Work 2021-2025, commits to supporting those who want to work to find and maintain quality employment, ensuring that nobody is left behind.
My Department, which delivers public employment services (PES) through Intreo and its Intreo partners, offers a range of employment supports to help people prepare for and secure employment. The key service provided is one-on-one engagements where a range of different options are explored, and a personal progression plan is agreed.
For people who are ready to take up work, the supports provided includes job search assistance, short training courses and the payment of financial incentives for employers to take on people who are further from the labour market, through JobsPlus. Support in taking up self-employment through the Back to Work Enterprise Allowance is also available.
In addition, the Work Placement Experience Programme provides industry work experience and training for jobseekers who have been unemployed for more than six months with the objective of keeping people close to the labour market. Currently, participants on the Programme are availing of placements in a wide range of sectors, including Human Health and Social Work, Wholesale and Retail Trade and Information and Communication. To date, over 220 participants (41%) have entered into employment following their placement, with 166 (30%) being retained by their host organisation. All of these services are available to people who are in the position to seek employment.
For people who need additional supports, other options are available. This can include referrals to training provided by the Education and Training Boards or education programmes through the Back to Work Education Allowance. Participation in State employment schemes such as Community Employment and Tús can also be a developmental opportunity.
Finally, Pathways to Work commits to carrying out a formal Mid-Term strategy review this year with the support of the Labour Market Advisory Council. This process, which included public consultation process earlier this year, will allow the Government to focus on medium to longer term priorities in the labour market and ensure that its policy objectives remained aligned to the current labour market situation. The Mid-Term Review will be published by year end.
