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JobPath Programme

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 19 June 2018

Tuesday, 19 June 2018

Ceisteanna (57)

Clare Daly

Ceist:

57. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the personal information of JobPath participants that is shared between her Department and a company (details supplied); and if information is shared with a third party such as an employer or prospective employer or other third parties if a participant has signed a personal progression plan. [26511/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As the Deputy will be aware JobPath is an employment activation service that supports people who are long-term unemployed and those most distant from the labour market to secure and sustain full-time paid employment. Upon referral the JobPath provider receives data that allows them to commence engagement with the customer. This data includes the customer’s name, address, date of birth, PPSN, education and employment history and work skills (e.g. possession of a driving licence) and employment preferences. During the period of the customer’s engagement with the JobPath service the contractors will notify my Department of any change of circumstance (e.g. address) which the customer notifies to the contractor and should the customer not be successful in gaining employment the contractor will provide my Department with an exit update upon completion of the 52 week engagement.

JobPath providers are registered with the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner as data processors and are legally bound to observe and adhere to Data Protection requirements.

All contracts in place are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of Ireland and the courts of Ireland have exclusive jurisdiction over these contracts. My Department’s contracts with the JobPath providers are in compliance with all relevant legislation and any information shared is contractually based and necessary to provide a service.

The JobPath Providers are required to offer in-work support to the customer for up to twelve months while they remain in employment. This includes scheduled contact with the person as well as ad-hoc contact should they need immediate support or advice, this may be particularly important for those in temporary or part-time employment to provide the specific support needed to progress to more sustainable permanent employment.

Personal Data is not shared by the Job Path providers with employers or shared with other third parties. Sub-contractors engaged by the Job Path service providers for the purpose of delivering the Job Path service are also fully governed by the same contractual obligation as the main contractor.

The JobPath providers may contact employers as part of the in work support provided to Job Path customers who attain sustainable employment while with the Job Path service. In addition, contractors may, with the jobseekers consent, provide non personal information to prospective employers or assist jobseekers in completing job application forms.

A JobPath service customer is not under an obligation to provide employment or employer details to the JobPath provider but, if they wish to do so and avail of the in-employment support offered, all information will be treated confidentially.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

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