Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 27 February 2019
213. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the funding available to a person (details supplied) to obtain the required training to qualify for a licence; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9983/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe primary purpose of the activation services provided by my Department, including the JobPath service, is to assist and support jobseekers to look for and sustain full time employment.
My Department refers long-term jobseeking customers to the JobPath service to receive one-to-one intensive and regular engagement with a personal adviser who will assess their skills, experience, challenges and work goals. A personal progression plan is agreed with each client, this plan includes a schedule of activities, including relevant training and educational programmes to assist them in finding full-time sustainable employment.
Both JobPath service providers have their own discretionary funds available to pay for training or other appropriate interventions; the decision to approve or reject any request for funding is solely at the discretion of the JobPath provider.
In regard to the individual case raised by the Deputy, the person concerned was referred to the JobPath Service on 20/10/18. He found part time employment in January 2019. The client indicated to his personal advisor that he would be able to get additional employment with his current employer if he had specific skills, an appropriate training course was identified, the JobPath contractor agreed to provide 50% of the funding and the client was agreeable to paying the balance. The course was due to commence on Monday 22nd February, however, the person concerned did not confirm to the JobPath contractor he was available to attend. At their next meeting his personal advisor will discuss the matter with the client for the purposes of agreeing another date for the training requested.
I trust this clarifies matters for the Deputy.
