Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 July 2018
2450. Deputy Marcella Corcoran Kennedy asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the reason a person (details supplied) who has completed a JobPath course with Turas Nua and has been offered a community employment scheme is now being advised that the person cannot take up this scheme unless the person completes another JobPath course; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32822/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to advise the Deputy that from 1st June 2018 all long term jobseekers who are currently engaged with the JobPath service and those who may be referred in future, have the option of applying for CE and Tús placements, thus enabling the combination of the strengths of the two programmes. The primary goal of my Department’s activation services including the JobPath service is to move people from full-time and part-time unemployment to full-time and sustained employment. Schemes such as CE and Tús provide part time work experience for those who have been out of the workforce for an extended period.
In relation to the person mentioned, I am advised that the person completed a year with the JobPath service in December 2017; was eligible 6 months later for selection for referral to the JobPath service again and was randomly selected on 16 June 2018 to return to the service to build on the skills and competencies gained during the first year. The person was interviewed for a CE Scheme on 28 June and was successful in securing a placement.
The person will be facilitated to take up the position provided that they commit to engage with the Jobpath Service. This will allow them to not only continue to receive the personalised employment counselling and job search support provided by their JobPath personal advisors but also to avail of the CE placement which will provide valuable occupational activity and work experience.
All meetings and activities will be scheduled, in consultation with the person themselves to take account of their CE commitments. For example, if they are committed to participate in the employment scheme for 5 mornings, any JobPath meetings and other interventions will be scheduled for the afternoons. The JobPath companies will continue to provide all the supports which it currently provides.
I trust this clarifies matters for the Deputy.
