Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 February 2023
418. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will advise on the forthcoming tender for EmployAbility services; when the terms of reference will be published and applications accepted; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10017/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, Employability provides support to people with disabilities to secure and maintain paid employment in the open labour market. It is a state-wide service, funded by my Department.
Planning for the tendering process for the procurement of new EmployAbility services is at the initial stages within my Department. It is intended to publish a Request for Tender (RFT) in the coming months with a view to having a new employment service model in place from 2024.
Officials have recently met with all current EmployAbility service providers to advise them of the forthcoming procurement and to seek their input on possible improvements to the service.
The procurement will provide an opportunity to enhance the EmployAbility service, incorporate international best practice, move to multi-annual contracts from the current annual process, and increase the accessibility and visibility of the service State-wide.
This approach will be fully consistent with the Comprehensive Employment Strategy for People with Disabilities (2015-2024) and will build upon the 2016 Indecon Evaluation of the EmployAbility Service and Pathways to Work Strategy 2021-2025.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
