Written answers

Wednesday, 13 July 2016

Department of Social Protection

Jobs Initiative

Photo of John BradyJohn Brady (Wicklow, Sinn Fein)
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134. To ask the Minister for Social Protection why Turas Nua has not allowed a person (details supplied) to take part in training for hazard analysis and critical control points, given that it is appropriate to employment as a kitchen and catering assistant. [21390/16]

Photo of John BradyJohn Brady (Wicklow, Sinn Fein)
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135. To ask the Minister for Social Protection why Turas Nua is restricting persons under the jobseeker's scheme from taking up other relevant training programmes that become available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21391/16]

Photo of John BradyJohn Brady (Wicklow, Sinn Fein)
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136. To ask the Minister for Social Protection why a person (details supplied) is not allowed to look at FETAC levels to upskill while within Turas Nua. [21392/16]

Photo of Leo VaradkarLeo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 134 to 136, inclusive, together.

JobPath is a new approach to employment activation that supports people who are long-term unemployed and those most at risk of becoming long-term unemployed to secure and sustain paid employment. The JobPath service is delivered by two companies - Turas Nua Limited and Seetec Limited. The companies deliver services directly and also engage with a range of local subcontractors, including training and employment service providers.

I understand that the person concerned was referred to JobPath on 19/03/2016 and has been actively engaging with their personal advisor. The person agreed a personal progression plan on 04/04/2016. Turas Nua advised my Department that this client was not disallowed or hampered from participating in any hazard analysis and critical control points (HACCP) courses, and has completed Level 1 and Level 2 HACCP as of 27/06/2016.

On 05/07/2016 the person concerned also enquired about the vocational training opportunities scheme (VTOS). On 06/07/2016 their personal advisor sought clarification from my Department as to whether or not the person concerned would be permitted to leave the service in order to commence a VTOS course. My Department confirmed to Turas Nua on 11/07/2016 that JobPath participants are eligible to apply.

Participants on JobPath receive intensive individual support to help overcome barriers to employment and to find jobs. Each person is assigned a personal advisor who assesses their skills, experience, challenges and work goals and agrees a “personal progression plan” that includes a schedule of activities, including relevant training and educational programmes to assist them in finding full-time sustainable employment. There are no barriers to any participants perusing training, including further education and training courses, providing they are relevant to the agreed personal progression plan.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

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