John Brady (Wicklow, Sinn Fein)
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575. To ask the Minister for Social Protection the reason a person (details supplied) who has just completed a work scheme is now being forced onto JobPath, namely, through Turas Nua, noting that JobPath was initially set up to engage with those persons who are long-term unemployed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41636/16]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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My Department provides a range of activation supports catering for long-term unemployed jobseekers and those most distant from the labour market. These supports include the JobPath service and employment services such as TÚS and Community Employment (CE).

TÚS is a community work placement initiative providing short-term working opportunities for jobseekers as a stepping stone back to full-time employment. TÚS placements are not full-time sustainable jobs.

The JobPath service aims to place people into full-time sustainable employment. The period of engagement with JobPath for any individual is typically 52 weeks. During that time, intensive individual support is provided to help them to overcome barriers to employment. During the year if a person is placed into a job they will continue to receive support for at least three months and up to an additional twelve months while in employment.

All jobseekers are required to engage with the Department’s activation services. Jobseekers returning from schemes such as TÚS/CE/Gateway, who have not found full-time employment are considered to be long term unemployed and are available for selection for JobPath. The JobPath providers will assist the jobseeker to update their CV and further develop the skills which they acquired with CE/TÚS/Gateway, to assist them in finding full time sustainable employment.

I understand the person concerned was in receipt of a jobseekers payment from April 2012 to December 2015 when they commenced a one year placement with TÚS. The person was not successful in securing full time employment following on from this scheme, re-commenced receiving a jobseekers payment in December 2016 and was referred to the JobPath service on the 10/12/2016.

I have been informed that the person has recently applied for Illness Benefit and has been paused from the JobPath service until the doctor certifies them fit for employment.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.