Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 14 April 2016
11. Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection to allow persons selected under the JobPath scheme (details supplied) to qualify for advertised community employment schemes and to take up any employment they are offered. [6390/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraJobPath is a new approach to employment activation that will support people who are long-term unemployed and those most distant from the labour market to secure and sustain full-time paid employment. JobPath is one of the range of activation supports, including schemes such as CE and TÚS, catering for long-term unemployed jobseekers.
In general, given the need to manage the allocation of places effectively, the department does not facilitate or encourage jobseekers to leave one scheme early in order to take up a place on another scheme. However, I have asked my officials to liaise with the JobPath company regarding the case in question so as to ensure that the person concerned is provided with the most appropriate opportunity of securing full-time sustainable employment.
Participants on JobPath receive intensive individual support to help them address barriers to employment and to assist them in finding full-time sustainable jobs. They spend a year on JobPath and if they are placed into a job they continue to receive support for at least three months, and up to twelve months, while in employment. Participation in other schemes and programmes, including CE, remains an option that will be assessed by case officers once the client’s participation on JobPath is completed.
