Kevin O'Keeffe (Cork East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

115. To ask the Minister for Social Protection if his attention has been drawn to the fact that since the introduction of JobPath there has been a shortage of recipients of jobseeker's allowance to participate in CE schemes; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that those on JobPath often remain on the scheme for longer than 12 months; and if he will review the scheme in view of the difficulties that are evident. [14576/17]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The aim of the JobPath service, which is provided for long term unemployed jobseekers only, is to assist them in finding sustainable full time paid employment by providing intensive individual support and assistance. The Community Employment schemes (CE) which provides part-time employment and training opportunities in local communities as a stepping stone back to employment for people on a range of Social Welfare payments including those on long term unemployment payments. CE does not, nor is it intended to, provide full-time sustainable employment.

The welcome reduction in the unemployment figures of 16% over the past year is a factor in recruitment to all programme and schemes like JobPath and CE. The number of people unemployed is dropping on average by 2,500 every month. However, there are still more people unemployed and looking for work than we would like so while the candidate pool may be diminishing my Department is satisfied that CE schemes can still fill places. The data shows that the number of people on CE schemes is in fact relatively stable.

Participants are referred to the JobPath service for one year only. If they undertake a course of training which is longer than four weeks during that year, their engagement with the JobPath service will be paused for up to 6 months to allow them complete the training and ensure they receive the full 52 weeks JobPath service. If they find full time sustainable employment whilst with JobPath, they will continue to receive in-work support for at least three months and up to twelve months while they remain in employment.

At the end of their 52 week engagement with JobPath, people who have not been successful in finding full time sustainable jobs are eligible to apply for placement on other activation supports and schemes such as CE and TÚS.

If there is a CE scheme experiencing particular difficulties in recruitment, they should contact their local DSP office so that the matter can be reviewed.