Employment Support Services

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 December 2014

Tuesday, 9 December 2014

Ceisteanna (130)

Derek Nolan

Ceist:

130. Deputy Derek Nolan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection to outline her views on whether counselling may be useful as an activation tool; if her attention has been drawn to programmes incorporating these methods as designed by a company (details supplied); if funding streams, or consideration thereof, exists within her Department for the utilisation or further development of such programmes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46941/14]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Social Protection

‘Counselling’ in the context of activation generally refers to the provision of guidance and advice with respect to the pursuit of employment options. It does not involve the provision of personal counselling (e.g. addiction, bereavement, anxiety, depression etc.) of the type which I understand is provided as an online service by the organisation referenced in the question.

Where Case Officers of the Department encounter jobseekers suffering from such personal issues they will, as appropriate, direct the jobseekers concerned to the appropriate State agencies.

The Department does not intend to become involved in the direct provision of such types of intervention.