Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

111. To ask the Minister for Social Protection the reason a person (details supplied) in County Donegal who sought financial assistance from JobPath to complete a course has been informed that they need to pass examinations to qualify as an emergency medical technician; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26278/17]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The JobPath companies will consider funding requests for appropriate training for jobseekers engaged with the service where a need is identified that is not otherwise provided by the company directly or state providers (such as Solas/ETBs), within a reasonable length of time or at a location convenient to the jobseeker. The intervention identified is linked to both the activation needs of the jobseeker and labour market conditions, it also must form part of the jobseeker’s agreed personal progression plan to enter/re-enter the workforce

The customer concerned has been advised by the JobPath provider that on successful completion of the course identified, they are in a position to offer him financial support up to €500 towards the costs of the course, and if the exam board require payment in advance, that the customer should request them to forward an invoice to the JobPath provider which will be paid within 30 days. This is in line with my Department’s training grants scheme.

The customer has also been advised that the JobPath provider may be able to assist him further including financial assistance in relation to gaining a position in the particular area of employment.

Should this customer be successful in commencing employment, the JobPath provider will continue to support him for at least three months and up to twelve months while in that employment.

Any individual engaged with the activation services whether provided by my Department’s staff or external contractors such as JobPath or the LES is advised to inform their local claim office as soon as they commence employment in order that their jobseekers payment may be adjusted as appropriate

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.