Clare Daly (Dublin Fingal, Independent)
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378. To ask the Minister for Social Protection the detail of discussions between his Department and the management of a company (details supplied) regarding the company's operation of the JobPath scheme and potential changes which might ensue in the operation of that scheme when the company was acquired by a German venture capital firm (details supplied) in 2016. [18063/17]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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Following the completion of a rigorous public procurement process, conducted in accordance with EU and national procurement rules, Turas Nua is one of two companies selected to provide the JobPath service. The JobPath Agreement between my Department and Turas Nua Limited was signed on 5 June 2015.

Turas Nua is a joint venture between FRS Recruitment and Working Links:

FRS Recruitment, part of FRS Network, is a co-operative organisation established in Ireland in 1980 for the provision of skilled people mainly to the agricultural sector. Initially created as a job activation organisation, FRS Network has expanded into divisions delivering training, recruitment, homecare, farm services and fencing services across Ireland.

The terms and conditions attaching to the Agreement between my Department and Turas Nua are unchanged.

Working Links continues to trade and there has been no effect on the operation of JobPath to date and no adverse impacts are anticipated.

The acquisition of Working Links by Aurelius will not interfere with the execution of Turas Nua’s commitments as contained in the JobPath Agreement.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.