Ms Caroline Kennedy:

We thank the committee for the opportunity to make this presentation and look forward to answering any questions or concerns committee members may have. We believe it is essential that the LES and job clubs are provided with the opportunity to continue with the successful model of providing a community based, not-for-profit employment service. We endorse the work of the ILDN in acknowledging that the future of public employment services is best served within a not-for-profit model. The national committees of LES and job clubs has a number of recommendations for the Oireachtas committee, the first of which is to ensure the continuation of a not-for-profit, community-based model with equal recognition given to all progressions. We also recommend that all client groups including one-parent families, people living with a disability, jobseeker transition recipients, part-time employees, qualified adults, underemployed people and those from new communities should be assisted, as well as the most disadvantaged activation clients and other client groups who are currently not receiving any State assistance. We recommend the provision of a person-centred service with an engagement model based on need rather than set time limits. Our fourth recommendation is the use of multi-annual contracts for forward planning and stability of employment, as per the Indecon report, and finally, we advocate a partnership approach with the Department's systems to provide an improved client-centred service