Fiona O'Loughlin (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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172. To ask the Minister for Social Protection if he will review the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15797/17]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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The activation supports and services which are available to those who are long-term unemployed include the JobPath employment activation service and work experience and training schemes such as Community Employment (CE) and TÚS.

The aim of the JobPath service is to assist participants in finding sustainable full-time paid employment. It is distinct from the Community Employment scheme which provides part-time employment and training opportunities in local communities for people on a range of Social Welfare payments including long-term unemployment payments as a stepping stone back to employment. I should emphasise that Community Employment does not, nor is it intended to, provide full-time sustainable employment.

Jobseekers can only participate with one activation scheme or service at a time; this is to allow the scheme and service providers time to work with the participants and also to ensure that the best use is made of the available places.

The customer mentioned is at an early stage of his year long engagement with the JobPath service, he will continue to receive intensive individual support and assistance from his personal advisor to look for employment. At the end of 52 weeks, if he has not been successful in finding suitable employment he may, subject to an assessment by an Intreo case officer, apply for other activation supports such as CE.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.