Willie Penrose (Longford-Westmeath, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I understand the Minister has embarked on an econometric review of the JobPath programme. I am asking that a value for money review be included. I also believe there should be an assessment of the number of people focused on by JobPath aged 60 years and over. I know that many people living in rural areas, particularly women, who were targeted by JobPath could not participate. The programme was managed in a heavy-handed manner and I was very annoyed about it. I am surprised by the satisfaction statistics the Minister has outlined because I certainly did not pick up on them. It is good news that the level of unemployment has fallen. That is welcome, but I certainly do not share the rosy view of JobPath the Minister seems to hold. It did not allow people to participate in community employment schemes and Tús. It blocked there participation in such schemes and the Minister has correctly removed the blockage. I am aware that she has received advice from many people, including from within her Department.

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