James Bannon (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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270. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection why a person (details supplied) in County Longford has been informed by a sector employer adviser that the person is unable to take up a position with a community employment scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38316/15]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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I have been advised that a letter was sent to the person concerned on 13October inviting her to attend a JobPath group information session on 20 October. JobPath is a new approach to employment activation aimed primarily at the long-term unemployed (over 12 months).

The person concerned received a follow up phone call on 14October to confirm the appointment but she said that was unable to attend the scheduled group information session. She was offered an alternative appointment on 27October but again she said she was unable to attend. Arrangements were then made for her to attend an individual information session on 28 October which she duly attended.

In the meantime, the person concerned was interviewed on 19 October for a place on a local Community Employment (CE) Scheme following which she was provisionally offered a position for 19 ½ hours a week for one year.

While CE schemes are intended to help long-term unemployed people to re-enter the active workforce, by breaking their experience of unemployment through a return to work routine for a limited duration, they are not full-time sustainable jobs.

A key objective of JobPath is to assist jobseekers to secure full-time sustainable employment. Contracts to deliver JobPath have been signed with two companies – Seetec Limited and Turas Nua Limited. These companies are providing JobPath services in two contract areas that are based on the Department’s divisional structure. Seetec operate in the northern half of the country (including Dublin) and Turas Nua operate in the southern half.

Participants on JobPath receive intensive individual support to help them address barriers to employment and to assist them in finding jobs. They will spend a year on the programme and if they are placed into a job they may continue to receive support for the first year of employment. During their time on JobPath they may also be referred for further education and training opportunities. Jobseekers retain their existing social welfare payment while on JobPath.

Given the circumstances of this case I have asked a senior official of the Department to review the person’s case with a view to determining the best outcome for the person concerned. I have asked that an official meet with the person concerned and review the case as quickly as possible.