James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 21: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of job facilitators; the average waiting time to access support from a job facilitator; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23354/09]

Olwyn Enright (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 159: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of job facilitators; the average waiting time to access support from a job facilitator; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23447/09]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 21 and 159 together.

Facilitators work closely with FÁS and other agencies at national and local level, to identify appropriate training and developmental programmes for social welfare recipients of working age to enhance the skills those individuals have and ultimately improve their employments chances as well as help them to develop personally.

The facilitator service is available to social welfare customers at all local offices. Facilitators hold open clinics and meet with people who have been referred either by the social welfare local office or by other agencies. Appointments to see the facilitator can be made by contacting the social welfare local office or the facilitator directly. In addition, cases are selected and referred to facilitators by employment support section.

The service was enhanced under the National Development Plan (NDP) Social and Economic Participation Programme. There are currently 60 facilitators in place, with a further 10 due for appointment, bringing the total in place to 70.

In the current economic climate the demand for the facilitator service is elevated. Waiting times to see a facilitator vary nationwide and information on waiting times for individual facilitators are not available. Facilitators make every effort to contact all interested customers as quickly as possible.