Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 March 2018
980. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the number of persons on JobPath in counties Cavan and Monaghan as of 1 February 2018; the number of persons who were on JobPath for the same date in 2017; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12635/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraJobPath is an employment service, designed to support people who are long-term unemployed to secure and sustain paid employment.
In relation to the number of people who have commenced their engagement period with the service, it is important to note that jobseekers may be supported through the service for up to 30 months. Under the service jobseekers have access to a Personal Advisor (PA) who works with them over two phases. During the first phase, of 12 months duration, the PA provides practical assistance in searching, preparing for, securing and sustaining employment. The second phase starts if the jobseeker is successful in finding work. During this phase the PA continues to work with the jobseeker for a further period of at least three months, and up to 12 months. In addition to these two phases jobseekers may also undertake training while with the service and this may extend the period the jobseeker is supported through the service for up to a further 6 months. The duration of the client engagement period must therefore be noted when considering statistics in relation to the service.
Given the above, it is important to note that the below statistics are a snapshot at each particular point in time only. It should also be noted that these figures will include clients who are in employment and as such, are not on the live register i.e. those clients who are in the "in work support" phase of the service. As of the end of February 2018 some 1,604 clients in Cavan were engaged with the service, the total number of clients engaged on the same date in 2017 was 1,704. In Monaghan, 1,370 were engaged with the service as of the end of February 2018, the total number of clients engaged on the same date in 2017 was 1,041.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
