Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 September 2022
1054. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Social Protection if her attention has been drawn to the fact that an organisation (details supplied) has at times used the catalyst questionnaire to identify children as challenges for parents seeking employment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41995/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI understand that the Deputy is referring to Turas Nua which is one of the contracted providers of the JobPath service. Understanding customers and their requirements and achievements is a vital part of the activation service of my Department both through its internal Intreo service and the Intreo Partners contracted services of which JobPath is a part. The services ensure, that the customer is provided with tailored support that meets their individual needs.
Turas Nua’s Catalyst tool is designed to identify and prioritise the customer’s strengths and skills, as well as areas for development and any potential barriers to employment. The Catalyst assessment identifies where a customer may require additional support based on their responses. The Catalyst assessment includes a small number of questions to identify where a customer may need to discuss alternative welfare options with their local Intreo centre or Social Welfare branch office.
I recognise that access to adequate or affordable childcare can be a challenge to gaining and sustaining employment, and this is often a concern for parents re-entering the workforce. Intreo Partners service providers do not consider children to be a barrier to employment and, if a customer is already satisfied that they have adequate childcare in place and expresses no concerns regarding same, it is not necessary to discuss this in any further detail. If a customer requires assistance in child care options, the service provider will provide information on options and financial supports available.
Intreo Partners Personal Advisors may discuss remote working options or alternative job goals with more flexible shift options, to better facilitate any concerns a customer may have about childcare costs or accessibility. They also advise customers of in-work financial supports such as the Working Family Payment (WFP) and Back to Work Family Dividend, which can be provided by my Department to supplement the income of employees with dependent children.
I trust that information is of assistance to the Deputy.
