Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour) | Oireachtas source

Like other Deputies, the Deputy has previously complained about the Department not having enough case officers to deal with all of the people who, unfortunately, became unemployed because of the crash and who are now going back to work in large numbers. We want to ensure this opportunity is open to everybody who has become long-term unemployed. Obviously, as the numbers reduce, some of the services provided will be for the limited period of years of the contract.

Regarding the organisations mentioned, we will have a system to allow clients to refer back to the Department of Social Protection if they have issues or complaints. A system of client surveys will commence in the new year. The process of referring people to JobPath has just begun. About 3,500 people have been referred and it is an assignment for one year. I will take what the Deputy is saying into account and if issues arise, we will be happy to look at them because what is key is the quality of the service the unemployed person receives to enable him or her to get back into work. We recognise that being involved in education may be part of it.

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