Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Deputy Anthony Lawlor raised the same issue as Deputy Dara Calleary. What we are trying to do with the Action Plan for Jobs is to work across the silos, but the fact that we are engaging in co-ordination across them does not mean that we are in charge of the respective programmes. What we are trying to do is something a little different. Therefore, if members want to raise questions about Leader or social protection schemes, it is not my Department that is answerable. What we do is try to ensure we work in a collaborative way. This is particularly true in areas such as the disruptive reforms, where there must be cross-government participation in order to deliver them successfully. I understand people would like to be able to direct their questions relating to various Departments to one Minister, but that is not what we are trying to do. We are trying to promote collaboration and are having some success in that regard.

The only type of work excluded by JobsPlus is seasonal work such as when an employer takes on a person to do a job that is not intended to be long term. The intention must be that the job offered is one in which the person can remain. However, employers will not be penalised if the job only lasts three months.