Frank Feighan (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for his contribution. I would like to reiterate some key points. The procurement process for the regional employment service is the outcome of a lengthy process of engagement and consultation with all existing service providers. The tender will allow the Department of Social Protection to procure employment services on a legally sound basis and in line with best practices. The RES will continue the delivery of accessible and local services. With the exception of Dublin, the services are being procured on a county or bi-county basis. Existing providers are well placed to submit quality competitive bids. I am not sure whether there will be three or five providers in Dublin but I am sure we can get that confirmed.

Phase 1 of the procurement has provided significant feedback for the Department, particularly around minimum referral numbers but also in regard to bringing clarity in respect of upfront payments and the front-loading of payment stages. The Department has worked hard to eliminate barriers for existing local service providers, which have been encouraged to work together, where necessary, to form partnerships for tenders. I understand the period after the publication of the request for tender will be longer than usual to facilitate the forging of such partnerships. Ultimately, the focus is on providing a quality service to the long-term unemployed. The bids submitted in phase 2 will be evaluated on the basis of their quality and the tenderer's ability to access a wide range of local supports and services that best meet their clients' specific needs. For successful tenderers, they will have more long-term contracts, greater freedom to manage their service and the capacity to be properly assessed for their performance. The new service will have a strong local focus and its fee structure will be heavily weighted towards client engagement. The Minister for Social Protection and her Department will continue to engage with the sector and listen to its concerns right up until the publication of the request for tender later this month.

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