Seán Kyne (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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217. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection her views on the operation of JobPath; the number of participants nationally; the number in Counties Dublin, Galway and Mayo since its introduction in 2015; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33375/15]

Kevin Humphreys (Dublin South East, Labour)
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JobPath is a new approach to 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. 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 the Department’s existing employment services including Local Employment Services and Job Clubs. The companies 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.

Turas Nua will operate in the following areas the Southern half of the country including Cork, Limerick and Waterford

Seetec will operate in Dublin and the northern half of the country including Galway

The roll-out of JobPath started on 20 July 2015 and is currently providing services to jobseekers in the following locations: Bray, Longford, Cork, Galway, Carlow, Naas/Newbridge, Waterford, Mullingar and Cavan. Up to 25 September, c. 1,000 jobseekers have been referred to JobPath and of these c. 200 are in the Galway area. No referrals have yet been made in Mayo or Dublin. JobPath is scheduled to be rolled out in these areas in October/November. JobPath is expected to be available in all areas of the country towards over the end of the year.