Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 21 January 2021
237. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Social Protection if referrals to JobPath have ceased due to level 5 Covid-19 restrictions or if they have continued; if other referrals to job activation schemes have continued; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3533/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs of Monday 28th December 2020 new referrals to Jobpath providers were suspended due to the Level 5+ Covid Pandemic restrictions.
In parallel with the Intreo service, our contracted public employment services, including JobPath and the Local Employment Services, paused and resumed activation for new referrals during 2020 in line with public health advice.
Referrals to the employment services were suspended in March 2020 and October 2020, with referrals being resumed in June 2020 and November 2020 respectively to ensure that jobseekers do not become further distant from the labour market.
My officials are in contact with the various contracted employment services to ensure they are aware of and adhering to the appropriate guidelines while engaging with referrals in the context of the public health crisis. My Department has continued to liaise with contracted public employment service providers throughout the pandemic and they are engaging with their clients by phone, email and other electronic means where possible. Contracted services will where appropriate facilitate face to face meetings in line with HSE guidelines should any client require it.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
