Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Independent)
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196. To ask the Minister for Social Protection the number of Intreo case officers by area. [20083/15]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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Case Officers employed by my Department, operating across 13 Divisions, deliver activation and case management services through the network of Departmental Intreo Centres. Case Officers generally work in teams dedicated to activating clients and supporting them in various ways in their efforts to regain employment. The team-based approach helps to maximise efficiency and effectiveness and to ensure that a streamlined service is provided to jobseeker clients.

The total number of DSP staff currently dedicated to providing activation and case management support services is 500 (Whole-Time Equivalents), not including clerical support. In addition there are 42 Case Officer vacancies across the Divisions at present. The number of Case Officers assigned to any given area is kept under review in the context of demand for services locally.

This number of Case Officers is subject to change over time as staff retire, are re-assigned, promoted etc. In common with all Government Departments, my Department must operate within an Employment Control Framework target, set by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and within this activation and control functions are prioritised as resources allow.

The employment service provision of my Department is supplemented by the contracted Local Employment Service which provides vocational guidance, employment supports and mediation to jobseekers and others. In the region of 160 mediators are currently employed by 21 Local Development Companies and 1 Community Group as part of the contractual arrangements in place with my Department.