Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 May 2016
270. Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason a person (details supplied) was refused permission to accept a position within a community employment scheme while participating in JobPath, considering that the aim of JobPath is to find employment for the long-term unemployed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11178/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder current Community Employment rules, a person under 55 years of age is limited to a maximum period of 3 years on the scheme.
The person concerned has already spent 3 years on the scheme and is therefore precluded from further participation until he reaches 55 years of age.
JobPath is a new approach to employment activation that supports 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 Community Employment, catering for long-term unemployed jobseekers.
In March 2016 the person concerned was referred to JobPath. He expressed an interest in a course (horticulture and hard landscape construction) and this was supported by his JobPath adviser. He has been placed on the waiting list for this course.
While on JobPath the citizen concerned will receive intensive individual support to help him tackle barriers to employment and to assist him in finding full-time paid employment. On JobPath each person is assigned to a personal adviser who assesses a person’s skills, experience, challenges and work goals. The personal adviser and the participant draw up a personal progression plan that includes a schedule of activities, actions and job-focused targets. Participants are also provided with a range of training and development supports including online modules, career advice, CV preparation and interview skills. They spend a year on JobPath and if they are placed into a job they will continue to receive support for at least three months and up to twelve months while in employment.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
