Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)

Absolutely. We had a discussion on a previous question, asked by Deputy James O'Connor, about the introduction of the commitment in the programme for Government to introducing a working age payment. That is important to ensure that people who transition from a welfare support payment to work are not worse off. I will be focused on that. As I said, we will publish a number of potential models and look for feedback over the coming months. Regarding the transition, working through the Intreo offices and our Intreo partners, we want people to get the services of an employment personal adviser or a job coach. That person will work with a jobseeker on a one-to-one, confidential basis to encourage, support and assist him or her in securing employment and to develop an agreed personal progression plan which is based on a person's needs and skills that he or she has or may need to adjust or improve to become job ready. It will support jobseekers with curriculum vitae and interview preparation. It provides access routes to work experience and employment opportunities. Our Intreo partners provide a service to employers by promoting the Department's schemes and supports and assist employers with filling vacancies. They also provide access routes to education and training where skill gaps which have been identified can be fulfilled locally within Offaly or in the region.

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