Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 7 October 2009
115 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the additional supports which have been provided to job facilitators to deal with the increased demand for access to support; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34295/09]
Amharc ar fhreagraFacilitators work with social welfare recipients to identify appropriate training or development programmes which will enhance the skills that the individual has and ultimately improve their employment chances, as well as help them to continue to develop personally. They work in close co-operation with other agencies and service providers including FÁS, VEC, other education and training providers and the local and community and voluntary sector. In addition they provide advice and support to customers who wish to access the back to education scheme and the back to work schemes of the department.
The facilitator service is available locally to all social welfare recipients via the local network. Facilitators are assigned to cover a geographical area. They hold open clinics and meet with people who have been referred either by the social welfare local office, the employment support section or by other agencies.
Since September 2008, 21 additional facilitators have been appointed. The number of facilitators currently in place is 61.5 (half post due to a work sharing arrangement). It is envisaged that this number will increase to 70 in the coming months.
In the current economic climate the demand for the facilitator service is elevated. An appointment can be made by contacting the facilitators directly or via the appropriate local office.
