Jonathan O'Brien (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
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34. To ask the Minister for Social Protection the role of the new Labour Market Council; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43373/13]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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The role of the Labour Market Council is to advise the Minister on matters relating to the implementation of Pathways to Work. Membership of the Council comprises national and international stakeholders and policy experts. This is an approach which has worked well, for example, with regard to the implementation of JobBridge. Over an initial 12 month period to Sept. 2014, the group will be tasked with advising the Minister by:

- Monitoring the implementation of the Pathways to Work 2013 strategy.

- Identifying key issues arising from the implementation of the strategy and suggesting possible policy and/or operational responses.

- Providing input to and feedback on strategies to increase employer and jobseeker awareness of, and engagement with, the various initiatives identified in the strategy.

- Providing input to and feedback on the design and implementation of the Youth Guarantee for Ireland.

- Providing input to and feedback on the development of a contracting model for caseworker resources.

- Providing insights and experience relating to wider policy issues relevant to developments in the labour market generally, including employment trends, skills, training and workforce developments.

- Contributing to developing the wider public awareness of the Pathways to Work strategy. - Providing the Minister for Social Protection and the Government with input to and feedback on revisions to and further development of the Pathways to Work strategy during 2014.

- Publishing an annual statement outlining the Council's findings.