Willie O'Dea (Limerick City, Fianna Fail)
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96. To ask the Minister for Social Protection if he is considering providing replacement schemes for JobBridge and Gateway; if so, the detail of such schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25708/17]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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The JobBridge scheme was introduced in July 2011 in response to the sharp and dramatic increase in unemployment. A robust external evaluation of the scheme, conducted by Indecon Economic Consultants in 2016, found that it is one of the most effective labour market programmes – increasing participants’ employment outcomes by 32%. It also found that while participants rated the scheme positively on 18 out of 20 aspects measured, most were dissatisfied with the level of payment and a sizable minority rated the scheme negatively on some aspects, for example the quality of training offered. Based on the findings, and taking account of the improvement in labour market conditions, Indecon recommended that JobBridge be discontinued in its current form and replaced with a new scheme. A copy of the full evaluation can be found on my Department’s website ().

The Labour Market Council welcomed the report and noted the positive employment impact of the scheme. A majority of the Council similarly recommended that JobBridge be replaced. Having considered the evidence and the suggestions put forward by Indecon and the Labour Market Council, I announced the closure of JobBridge to new applications from 27 October 2016 and my intention to replace it later this year with a new work experience programme better suited to the much-improved labour market and that addresses criticisms of the scheme.

I am very conscious that any new scheme would need the support, trust and confidence of employers, jobseekers and the public. That is why I instructed my officials to consult with key stakeholders before making a final decision on any potential replacement scheme. That process has recently concluded and I will make an announcement after I have a chance to consider the feedback.

The Gateway scheme is a work placement scheme designed to provide short-term work opportunities for unemployed people in Local Authorities. As the economic recovery takes hold and the overall level of unemployment continues to fall, the need to adapt employment programmes, such as Gateway to the changing circumstances, opportunities and the needs of jobseekers has become more apparent and urgent. This is necessary to ensure that the number and nature of schemes, as well as the conditions governing participation on these schemes, continues to be appropriate. It is recognised by Government that these activation schemes are positive initiatives that enable the long-term unemployed to make a contribution to their communities whilst up-skilling themselves for prospective future employment. It is also recognised that long-term unemployment and joblessness remain critical issues. The removal of barriers to employment for those furthest from the labour market continues to be a challenge, even in periods of economic growth. In advance of any possible changes, my Department will consult with key stakeholders.