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JobPath Programme

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 February 2018

Tuesday, 20 February 2018

Ceisteanna (65)

Joan Collins

Ceist:

65. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the amount lost to persons to date in cases in which they did not sign contracts with Seetec and Turas Nua. [8305/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As the Deputy is aware Seetec and Turas Nua are two companies contracted to provide the JobPath service on behalf of my Department. Participants with the JobPath service are not required to sign a contract with the JobPath companies but they are, in the same manner as all jobseekers referred to any of the other Department’s activation services, requested to agree and sign a personal progression plan (PPP). The PPP is an agreement between the jobseeker and their personal advisor, it contains a schedule of activities; actions and job focused targets, taking into account a person’s specific qualifications and employment preferences. The contents of the PPP may change during the person’s engagement with the service as they develop new skills or experience. Failure to agree a PPP, which is an integral element of the person's commitment to engage with the activation service, may be taken into consideration by a Deciding Officer of my Department when considering a penalty rate of payment.

As failure to agree a PPP is one of a number of factors that may be taken into consideration by a Deciding Officer, my Department does not currently record failure to agree a PPP solely and separately as a reason for non-engagement. It is important to state that only Departmental officials can make decisions regarding a person’s welfare entitlements including those jobseekers with the JobPath service. JobPath companies do not apply or recommend the application of a penalty rate of payment.

The process for sanctioning clients who do not engage with the JobPath activation process is exactly the same as the process for clients who fail to engage with the Department’s other activation services provided by Intreo Centres, Local Employment Services and Job Clubs. Failure to engage without good cause may result in the jobseeker’s payment being reduced or temporarily suspended. All such decisions are based on the available evidence and the circumstances of each case. Reduced rates are only applied where a job seeker fails to engage as requested following at least two warnings. The legislation underpinning the application of reduced rates of payment is provided for in the Social Welfare Act 2010.

Jobseekers can request a Deciding Officer to review the decision or appeal the Deciding Officer’s decision to the Social Welfare Appeals Office (SWAO).

I trust this clarifies matters for the Deputy.

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