Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

My priority is about delivering the best possible employment service for the people who need our help and ensuring we do so on a sound legal basis. I think it is important in the context or this motion to note two important facts that are central to an informed and accurate discussion. First, LES and job club services are not delivered directly by the State. The decision to establish LES and job club services on an externally contracted basis is not a new decision but was in fact taken 25 years ago. These services have always been externally contracted. That is a simple fact. On the basis of the legal advice received, there is no escaping the obligation to contract out the delivery of services. I am aware that some observers think that there might be an escape clause of some type. There is not. This advice comes from the Attorney General and has been discussed at Cabinet. There is an obligation on the Government, myself as the responsible Minister and my Department to act in accordance with this advice and adhere to procurement law.

My number one priority as Minister is to provide the best possible service to help those who are unemployed. I value the work of all the staff and services providers who work with my Department to deliver on this important objective. I want to support them and help them to ensure that they can continue this work. However, I must do this in way that is compliant with the law and that adheres to the necessary standards of transparency and good governance in public procurement. My Department has listened carefully to all of the concerns expressed. In particular I emphasise that the regional employment services tender includes a strong focus, with a high level of marks awarded, on delivering social value through clear embedded linkages with the local community. Despite Sinn Féin's assertion to the contrary, the evidence from the phase 1 process is that community and voluntary groups can succeed in securing contracts. I have no doubt this will be replicated as part of phase 2. The Government and I are committed to expanding the provision of high quality services across the State so that we can support all those who need assistance in progressing towards employment. It is imperative that we deliver the best possible services to our people, that these services are available, effective and are procured in a way that meets the State's legal obligations.

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