Arthur Spring (Kerry North-West Limerick, Labour)
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To ask the Minister for Social Protection with reference to Page 20 Section 42 of the Pathways to Work strategy, her plans for contracting with the private sector; and if any cuts to existing local employment services are envisaged. [43590/12]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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The Department is currently engaged in a procurement process from which it intends to appoint expert advisor(s) to assist with the design and delivery of employment service provision, on a contracted basis with external providers, as envisaged under the Pathways to Work strategy. Given the urgent need to address unemployment, the intention is to enhance employment services at local level and not reduce such services. It is expected that the initial design will be completed in the first quarter of 2013.