Pearse Doherty (Donegal, Sinn Fein)
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686. To ask the Minister for Social Protection the reason a person (details supplied) has received a letter from the Local Social Protection Office advising that they participate in a training programme which offers a recognised qualification which is lower than the level of qualification that the person currently holds and in the same area of study; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24599/16]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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The person concerned had a recent meeting with a Departmental Case Officer in Letterkenny, where he was advised to contact the Educational Training Board (ETB) regarding appropriate daytime and evening classes. He was also advised in relation to opportunities available on the Jobsireland website and various other options including e-college.

In August 2016, the person was then selected for the Department JobPath employment activation programme which caters mainly for people who are long-term unemployed (over 12 months) to assist them to secure and sustain full-time paid employment or self-employment.

Jobseekers are selected on a random basis for referral to JobPath. Participants receive intensive individual support to help them address barriers to employment and to assist them in finding jobs. This includes assistance with the preparation of their curriculum vitae and with interviewing skills. The person concerned will now spend a year on this programme and if they are placed into a job they may continue to receive support for the first year of employment. They may also be referred for further education and training opportunities by the JobPath provider.