Claire Kerrane (Roscommon-Galway, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I understand the expansion is into areas where there are no local employment services and, of course, it is welcome but only if it is to remain in its current model. The Minister can say it as many times as she wants, but it is a fact that the current model is not for profit. Money is not a factor when a person comes through the door of the services for referral, but it is moving to a payment-by-results model. That is a fact.

As regards consultation, I acknowledge it took place but I very much doubt that job clubs or LESs sought a model change or a change to payment by results during any of the consultation periods. Of course, this will be particularly difficult in rural counties where the jobs just are not there to place a person in straight away. How much money is required by the likes of an LES or a job club even coming together to go into this tender? Although quality might be important, they cannot enter the process without money. How much will it cost them?

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