Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 14 June 2012
62 Deputy Gerald Nash asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will provide a detailed progress report on the implementation of the pathways to work initiative; if she will also provide an update on the issue of appointment to the initiative’s advisory board; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28740/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy will be aware that the establishment of the new integrated National Employment and Entitlements Service is the central element in the realisation of the Government's Pathways to Work policy. Following the integration of FÁS and the Community Welfare Service into the Department, I am happy to inform the Deputy that the process of establishment is now well underway. Pilots of the new "one-stop-shop" approach are being finalised in public offices at King's Inns/Parnell Street, Tallaght, Arklow and Sligo. Subject to the outcome of these pilots it is proposed to extend the service to a further ten offices later in the year. Other discrete elements of the new service model such as customer profiling ad Group Engagements are being rolled-out in advance of the ‘one-stop-shop' implementation and I expect that, as planned, these elements will be rolled out nationwide before the end of the year.
The advisory group to which the Deputy refers has not yet been established. I am currently examining proposals from the Department on the establishment and membership of this group and I expect to announce details shortly.
