Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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282. To ask the Minister for Social Protection if a release from the JobPath scheme can be facilitated in the case of a person (details supplied) to take a place in the rural social scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25514/17]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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The aim of the JobPath programme is to assist participants in finding sustainable full-time paid employment by providing intensive individual support and assistance. When selected for the JobPath activation programme in January this year, the person in question was in receipt of Jobseekers Allowance. It is a condition of the receipt of this payment that a recipient must be capable of, available for and actively seeking full time employment. The Department of Social Protection selects jobseekers on a random basis for referral to Jobpath. At the time of his selection for the Jobpath programme, the person in question did not have an offer of a place on the Rural Social Scheme (RSS) and as such he is now required to participate in the JobPath programme for its full duration.

It should be noted that participation on the RSS is intended to be temporary and is subject to review through an annual application for a continued place on the scheme. The Rural Social Scheme provides part-time employment and training opportunities in local communities as a stepping stone back to full employment.

At the end of participation on the Jobpath programme, jobseekers who have not been successful in finding employment may then submit an application for a work placement on the RSS or alternatively, subject to an assessment by the Intreo Case Officer, may apply for other activation support programmes such as Community Employment or TUS.

In the current circumstances the person in question must complete the JobPath programme.