Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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36. To ask the Minister for Social Protection if he will review the contracts awarded to United Kingdom companies for labour market activation schemes, such as JobsPlus and other private schemes not delivered within the auspices of the State, given the UK’s new relationship with the European Union; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18792/16]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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Ireland’s Public Employment Service (PES) is managed by the Department of Social Protection (DSP) and delivered directly by its own Intreo service as well as by contracted private companies under the JobPath service; the Local Employment Service (LES) and Job Clubs. The JobPath element of the service is a new approach to employment activation designed to support long-term unemployed people and those most at risk of becoming long-term unemployed to secure and sustain paid employment. I’m assuming that the Deputy’s question refers to the JobPath contracts.

My department has contracted 2 companies – Turas Nua Limited and Seetec Limited – to deliver JobPath services. Turas Nua is a joint venture between FRS Recruitment (based in Roscrea) and Working Links (a UK based provider of employment services). Turas Nua is registered in eland. Seetec is also a UK based company with a subsidiary company registered in eland. The JobPath contracts are subject to Irish law. The services provided by the companies are delivered in Ireland. Both companies have established a network of offices throughout the country and have recruited staff locally. There is nothing to suggest that a review of the contracts is warranted at this time in light of the outcome of the UK’s referendum on its membership of the European Union.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.