Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

261. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the contracts that have been issued to date in relation to JobPath programmes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31824/15]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

JobPath is a new approach of employment activation which will cater mainly for people who are long-term unemployed (over 12 months) and will assist them to secure and sustain full-time paid employment or self-employment. The JobPath providers will provide intensive individual support, advice and coaching to jobseekers and will also help participants to address social inclusion barriers and improve personal well-being.

Following the completion of a public procurement process contracts to deliver JobPath have been signed with two companies - Turas Nua Limited and Seetec Limited.

Under JobPath, Turas Nua and Seetec will provide additional employment services which will complement and augment – not replace – the Department’s existing employment services including Local Employment Services and Job Clubs. Turas Nua will operate in the following departmental divisions: Cork Central; South East; Mid-Leinster, Mid-West; South West; Midlands South. Seetec will operate in the following departmental divisions: West; Midlands North; North East; North West, Dublin Central; Dublin North; Dublin South.

The roll-out of JobPath started on 20 July 2015 and is currently providing services to jobseekers in 8 locations (Bray, Longford, Cork Hanover St, Cork Abbeycourt, Galway, Carlow, Naas/Newbridge and Waterford). These will be followed shortly by Mullingar, Cavan, Kilkenny and Ennis. JobPath is expected to be rolled out in all areas of the country over the next few months.