Jim Daly (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

17. To ask the Minister for Social Protection if he will consider further rolling out the gateway scheme in a non-compulsory capacity to offer placements to unemployed persons in schools, hospitals and other public buildings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18703/16]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Pathways to Work includes a wide range of programmes and services - such as the Gateway initiative - to help jobseekers back to employment. Gateway provides work placements in local authorities for a period of 22 months for those who are unemployed for more than two years. While the majority of participants are selected on a random basis by my Department, the opportunity for voluntary or self-selection is also available for 20% of places.

When the initiative was set up in 2013, long-term unemployment remained unacceptably high. While the economy recovered, the need for additional activation measures was recognised to assist the personal and social development of the long-term unemployed by providing short-term quality work opportunities. Work schemes placements are not available in schools or hospitals. As the Deputy is aware, these public service bodies receive funding directly from their respective Departments. For example, work in areas such as caretaking, teaching or other classroom duties are funded directly by the Department of Education and Skills. I have no plans to extend the Gateway scheme outside of the local government sector.

With the ongoing welcome reductions in the live register, I believe that a review of work schemes, including Gateway, will be necessary to ensure that the number and nature of schemes and the conditions governing participation continue to be appropriate. I will be considering all of these issues over the coming months.