Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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121. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if she is aware that jobseekers engaging in return to work interviews have been obligated to hand in advice to employers of a grant of €10,000 that is available to employers for every curriculum vitae the employer submits; that the jobseekers have no choice in submitting this letter along with their curriculum vitae, and that they are not permitted to hand their curriculum vitae alone to prospective employers; if she has a defined policy in this regard; if that is a policy position that has recently changed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30415/15]

Kevin Humphreys (Dublin South East, Labour)
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The JobsPlus incentive is designed to encourage employers and businesses to focus their recruitment efforts on those who have been out of work for long periods or on young people seeking work. JobsPlus provides a direct monthly financial incentive to employers in the form of a monthly grant paid over two years with two levels of grant payable - €7,500 or €10,000 provided the employment is maintained. The level of payment depends on the length of time the person is unemployed.

Eligibility was broadened in 2015 to include young jobseekers (under 25 year olds) unemployed for four months or more in the previous 6 months, and jobseekers transitioning from a one parent family payment.

In June 2015, 3,674 employers were paid approximately €1.94m in respect of 5,017 employees. A total of €23.3m has been paid to employer since commencement of payments on JobsPlus in September 2013 to the end June 2015. Some €10.42m has been paid this year to the end of June 2015.

As a key part of the Pathways to Work strategy to assist people to return to work, the Department’s case officers deliver activation and case management services through Intreo centres and through the network of Departmental offices which are currently transitioning to a full Intreo service. Case officers generally work in teams dedicated to activating clients and supporting them in various ways in their efforts to regain employment. In addition, and as part of this supportive approach, it is considered good practice that the various pro-employment financial incentives offered and funded by the Department and available to both employees who return to work and to employers who recruit from the Live Register are highlighted and take-up promoted. It is also considered good practice that jobseekers engaging with a case officer should prepare or update their CVs to facilitate job search.

I can confirm that clients are not obligated to hand in advice relating to available employer supports to prospective employers with their CV. However, jobseekers who are within an activation process and who become long-term unemployed, are advised that it is in their interest to inform any prospective employer of the financial benefit the employer may receive under the JobsPlus programme, if the jobseeker is hired by them. The Department has provided an online ready reckoner) to show the benefits of returning to work. Other supports for jobseekers are available on www.allaboutjobs.ie.