Tommy Broughan (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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213. To ask the Minister for Social Protection if his attention has been drawn to the fact that newly qualified teachers on casual temporary hours are required to take part in JobPath and Seetac training in areas not related to their chosen profession, in view of the fact that this would hinder their opportunity to accept short notice substitution or supervision hours; the number of JobPath and Seetac participants that are in this situation; the measures he is taking to ensure that appropriate discretion is used in processing such casual work social protection applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33288/16]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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There is no restriction on unemployed teachers taking up short notice substitution or supervision hours while in receipt of employment support services under JobPath. Unemployed jobseekers who take up a short term work assignment are required to notify the Department of Social Protection of any such employment so that the appropriate adjustments can be made to their welfare payment. If they are being supported under the JobPath service they should, in addition, notify their JobPath provider so that it can take account of this work experience in identifying further employment opportunities for the person concerned.

All jobseekers are required to engage with the department’s activation service and this obligation applies irrespective of whether the service is provided by the department’s own case officers or those employed by the Local Employment Service or by JobPath companies. A jobseeker’s payment is conditional on a person seeking employment and being willing to take up suitable employment. This condition applies to both full-time and part-time jobseekers.

In the case of the employment support service provided under the JobPath contracts the JobPath providers are remunerated on the basis of supporting people into sustained employment of at least 30 hours per week. Fees are paid in respect of each period of 13 weeks of sustained employment up to a maximum of 4 payments or 52 weeks employment. The suitability of employment is a key factor in ensuring that jobs are sustainable. If people are not placed into suitable jobs they are less likely to remain in employment and the JobPath companies will get fewer fees.

In general, jobseekers who have particular training and skills such as teachers, will be assisted to find employment in their chosen area of work. However, where jobs in the chosen area of work are not available, jobseekers will be encouraged and assisted to find employment in other suitable areas of work where this is possible.

My department has been advised by Seetec that the company has already been successful in placing a number of unemployed teachers into full-time teaching jobs. My department does not have details of the number of newly qualified teachers who are engaging with the JobPath service.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.