Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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Question 265: To ask the Minister for Social Protection the number of job facilitators in his Department in whole-time equivalent terms; and the number, in whole-time equivalent terms, of staff whose specific purpose is employment services. [34371/10]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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There are currently 64 serving facilitators covering 62.4 facilitator posts. Facilitators work with social welfare recipients to identify appropriate training or development programmes which will enhance the skills that the individual has and ultimately improve their employment chances, as well as help them to continue to develop personally. They work in close co-operation with other agencies and service providers including FÁS, VEC, other education and training providers and the local and community and voluntary sector. In addition they provide advice and support to customers who wish to access the back to education scheme, the back to work scheme, and the short term enterprise allowance scheme of the department.

The facilitator service is available locally to all social welfare recipients via the Department's Office. Facilitators are assigned to cover a geographical area. They hold open clinics and meet with people who have been referred either by the social welfare local office, the employment support section or by other agencies.

The service was enhanced under the National Development Plan (NDP) Social and Economic Participation Programme. Additional facilitators have been appointed during 2009 and 2010. It is envisaged that there will be 70 facilitator posts provided for under the Plan.