Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
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138. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection why a person (details supplied) in County Kildare who has been offered a position through the Tús work placement initiative is prevented from accepting this position; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40283/15]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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While the client was written to on 14 October 2015, inviting her to put her name forward to be interviewed in connection with a TÚS programme, she had previously been selected to take part in Jobpath. JobPath is one of the range of activation supports, including schemes such as CE and TÚS, catering for long-term unemployed jobseekers. In general, and JobPath is not an exception, it is not possible for clients to participate in two separate schemes at the same time. In addition, given the need to manage the allocation of places effectively, the Department does not facilitate or encourage jobseekers to leave one scheme early in order to take up a place on another scheme. This approach is particularly relevant in the case of JobPath whereby providers are paid on the basis of outcomes; it is important that the service providers have the opportunity and the time to achieve the outcome – which is to help the jobseeker secure and sustain full-time employment.

Participants on JobPath will receive intensive individual support to help them address barriers to employment and to assist them in finding jobs. Each person is assigned to a personal advisor who will assess a person’s skills, experience, challenges and work goals. A personal progression plan will be drawn up that will include a schedule of activities, actions and job focused targets. Participants are also provided with a range of training and development supports including online modules, career advice, CV preparation and interview skills. They may also be referred for further education and training opportunities. They will spend a year on JobPath and if they are placed into a job they will continue to receive support for at least three months and up to twelve months while in employment.

It should be noted however that jobseekers can in fact be referred to relevant, employment focused, further education and training opportunities provided by ETBs and others while on JobPath. In such cases the engagement period with JobPath will be adjusted.

Finally, participation in other schemes and programmes remains an option that will be assessed by Case officers once the client’s participation on JobPath is completed.

The client has since submitted an Illness Benefit certificate indicating she was ill from 12th Oct 2015, this also makes her ineligible to take part in the TÚS programme.