Trevor Ó Clochartaigh (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Ba mhaith liom ceist an chláir JobPath a ardú arís inniu. Ba chóir deireadh a chur leis an gclár scannalach amach is amach seo. We have raised the issue of JobPath on many occasions, but I commend my colleagues, Deputies John Brady and Denise Mitchell, for issuing a report which required much research. It is an issue that is increasingly being brought to our attention. I receive many telephone calls from individuals who are very unhappy with the service provided. I consider it to be something of a scam. It is interesting to read some of the notes from people who have worked for the JobPath programme on what it was like to work with it. They tell us the pressure on staff is immense and that a greated focus is placed on administration work than on dealing with clients. With the best will in the world, not much can be done in a half-hour appointment, especially when one is busy taking notes. Many believe there was no value in clients attending. They said some in senior management appeared to have no managerial experience or qualifications, were deeply insulting to staff and jobseekers alike and that clients were not treated with any sense of dignity. We are aware of the knock-on effect of JobPath on community employment schemes. It is hugely detrimental. When people go on the live register and supervisors ring to get the latest list, they suddenly find that everyone has moved to the JobPath programme and are not available. As a result of being unable to get people, there is huge pressure on local community employment schemes which are doing fantastic work. There is also huge frustration for jobseekers who are not receiving any support in seeking employment under the scheme which is privatised Two companies are running it and making a fortune. As shown in the report, they are paid by the number of clients they have and the number of times they see them. It is time we ended this scam. We should invite the Minister to come to the House to discuss what can be done instead of availing of the JobPath programme. It is not a question of whether it is should be scrapped but when it will be scrapped. From my point of view, that should happen sooner rather than later.