Pearse Doherty (Donegal, Sinn Fein)
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239. To ask the Minister for Social Protection if a person (details supplied) participating in JobPath can be released from the programme in order to take up a community employment scheme position in view of the fact they have previously completed a different CE scheme placement; if consideration will be given to such requests in situations in which difficulties have been encountered in having the available CE scheme position filled; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16931/17]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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The aim of the JobPath service is to assist participants in finding sustainable full-time paid employment by providing intensive individual support and assistance. 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. 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 ensure that the best use is made of the available places and to allow the scheme and service providers time to work with the participants. However, people who on the date of their referral to JobPath have a written offer with a start date within four weeks for CE will be facilitated to take up their placement.

In these circumstances the person in question cannot be released from the JobPath programme.

If any CE scheme is having difficulty filling a position they should contact the Department.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.