Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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415. To ask the Minister for Social Protection his views on a matter (details supplied) with regard to persons that are requested to meet a case officer when receiving jobseeker's payments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9740/17]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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JobPath is an employment activation service that supports people who are long-term unemployed and those most distant from the labour market to secure and sustain full-time paid employment.

Participants on JobPath receive intensive individual support to help them to tackle barriers to employment and to assist them in finding jobs. Each person is assigned to a personal adviser who assesses a person’s skills, experience, challenges and work goals. The personal adviser works with the jobseeker to agree a personal progression plan that includes a schedule of activities, actions and job-focused targets. Participants are also provided with a range of training and development supports including online modules, career advice, CV preparation and interview skills. Participants receive the JobPath job search assistance and support service for a period of 12 months (which can be extended by up to six months to allow for completion of training programmes) or until such time as they find employment whichever is soonest. If the jobseeker secures employment during this period they will continue to receive support from the JobPath providers for at least three months and up to twelve months while in employment.

The JobPath providers are obliged to provide a baseline level of support to each participant but are free to adapt that support in individual cases, provided that it is not unduly onerous. Where a person has transport difficulties, the JobPath Company can assist the person with travel arrangements. My officials have spoken with Turas Nua regarding the specific issue raised in by the Deputy and Turas Nua will contact the customer directly to discuss options to tailor the service around his particular travel requirements.