My Department has recently undertaken the procurement of employment services to ensure a substantive service exists throughout the State for the first time. These new services, known as Intreo Partners, will complement the service provided in Intreo Centres to ensure the long-tern unemployment and others are given the the greatest opportunities to return to the labour market.
My Department sought tenders for lots throughout the State from all interested parties. One of the Lots in Phase two of the procurement process was South Dublin County, including the areas of Tallaght and Clondalkin. I can confirm that South Dublin County Partnership (SDCP) were notified that they were preferred bidders for this Lot on 14th of July last.
A contract was sent to South Dublin County Partnership in mid August with a view to commencing initial services on 1st September. My Department is still awaiting receipt of this signed contract. The Department has committed to providing a financial advance equivalent to an estimated three months of service value to successful bidders on completion of the contract in order to assist cashflow. On receipt of a completed contract from South Dublin County Partnership my Department will move rapidly to make these finances available.
The Department does not play any role in the staffing levels of South Dublin County Partnership but I do note that the Department's conservative financial modelling forecasts an increase in funding compared to previous employment services operated by the SDCP. Additionally, officials in my Department have engaged intensively with both SIPTU and Forsa in recent months regarding their concerns for their members employed in activation services. The most recent meeting was last week with a commitment to ongoing engagement.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
