Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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339. To ask the Minister for Social Protection the reason a person (details supplied) who is registered with Seetec is not allowed to apply for a community employment scheme; if the position will be changed to allow the person to do so. [17462/17]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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The aim of the JobPath service, which is provided for jobseekers only, is to assist them in finding sustainable full time paid employment. Each person referred to the JobPath service is allocated a personal advisor who provides intensive individual support and assistance. When a jobseeker with JobPath finds employment, they will be supported by the JobPath Company for at least the first 13 weeks and up to a year until they are settled in the job.

This is in contrast to the Community Employment schemes that provide 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. I should emphasise that Community Employment does not, nor is 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 to achieve the best outcome for the person and also to ensure that the best use is made of the available places. 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. All decisions regarding referrals to activation supports are taken by officials of my Department, the JobPath companies have no role regarding Community Employment Schemes.

The person concerned agreed a Personal Progression Plan with his personal advisor on the 18th of January 2017 and is currently engaged with the service.

The referral period for the JobPath service is typically for a year. At the end of the 52 weeks, if the customer has not been successful in finding suitable employment 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.