Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 May 2022
91. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will clarify the position in relation to the current JobBridge scheme and the current contracts with SeeTec and Turas Nua; when this contact expires; if there is a new proposed tendering process for the services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24562/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraGiven the references to JobPath contractors, I am assuming that the Deputy is referring to JobPath rather than the now defunct Jobbridge scheme.
Referrals to JobPath will cease at the end of June this year. Individuals already engaged with the JobPath service could potentially continue their engagement until June 2023. Given the contractual requirements to provide in-work supports to clients who secured employment, there could be clients engaging with the JobPath service on this basis until June 2024.
The new employment services currently being procured reflect a comprehensive client journey with specific services tailored to the unemployed depending on their distance from the labour market. Therefore, there is no direct replacement for the JobPath service as such.
Instead, the new Intreo Partners services; the Intreo Partners: Local Area Employment Services and the Intreo Partners: National Employment Services are now being procured. The deadline for the receipt of tenders for these services was the 25th of April. Following compliance checks and in line with procurement guidelines and regulations, these tenders will be evaluated and the preferred tenderers notified in due course.
In order to ensure the availability of a comprehensive suite of employment services State-wide for the first time, contracts will be finalised and services rolled out at the earliest opportunity later this year.
