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

While I thank the Senators for their amendments relating to engagement with prescribed schemes, programmes or courses, I do not accept them. These sections replicate those in place for other jobseeker's schemes. They are exactly the same as what is in place already and we are going to apply them to the jobseeker's pay-related benefit. I do not intend to amend the proposed or existing legislation in relation to these vitally important provisions. They are already tried and tested and we should not be deviating from them. People receiving pay-related benefit will be required to look for full-time work and will be supported through the public employment service to get back into employment. JobPath is gone. We no longer have that scheme. We have a new work placement in place.

I also wish to be clear that this is not about coercion.