Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 January 2024
886. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Social Protection how jobs funded through the WorkAbility: Inclusive Pathways to Employment Programme would be advertised; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [56791/23]
View answerIn August I announced a call for applications for a new programme to support the employment of people with disabilities under the new ESF+ funding. This programme, called WorkAbility: Inclusive Pathways to Employment Programme is a successor to the Ability programme and will run from January 2024 to December 2028.
The WorkAbility Programme is aimed at people with disabilities aged 16+ who are in the labour market or are currently not work ready and/or are distant from the labour market. It will support projects that provide progressive pathways into education, training and employment, including self-employment, for participants based on their needs, their abilities and their potential. The programme aims to support up to 13,000 disabled people progress their employment ambitions over its lifetime.
Pobal ran an independent selection process on behalf of the Department of Social Protection and have contacted the successful organisations.
A Programme Requirements Manual will be issued to all WorkAbility: Inclusive Pathways to Employment Programme grantees with their grantee agreement, which sets out the key requirements for grantees.
In relation to the recruitment of staff, it is expected that staff will be recruited via an open and transparent recruitment process, posts should be advertised and filled through a competitive process. It is the responsibility of the grantee to conduct a transparent recruitment process in line with their organization’s recruitment policies and procedures. Evidence of the recruitment process followed must be retained on file.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
