Noel Grealish (Galway West, Independent)
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2131. To ask the Minister for Social Protection the number of persons that have been referred to a company (details supplied) each year since it started delivering JobPath programmes on behalf of her Department; the number of persons that have progressed to full and part time employment within 12 weeks and 26 weeks following completion of their JobPath course, by timeframe and age group; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26988/17]

Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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JobPath is an employment activation service that supports people who are long-term unemployed and those most at risk of becoming long-term unemployed to secure and sustain paid employment. The service was rolled out on a phased basis over the period mid-2015 to July 2016. To date circa 51,000 jobseekers have commenced their engagement period with Seetec. The figures per year are shown in the table below –

Jobseekers may be supported through the service for up to 30 months: under the service jobseekers have access to a personal adviser (PA) who works with them potentially over two phases.

During the first phase, of 12 months duration, the PA provides practical assistance in searching, preparing for, securing and sustaining employment. It should be noted that the aim of the JobPath service is to find sustainable employment for clients during this phase. The second phase only starts if the jobseeker is successful in finding work (during phase one). During this phase the PA continues to work with the jobseeker for a further period of at least three months, and up to 12 months, providing in employment supports. In addition to the two phases jobseekers may also undertake training while with the service and this may extend the period the jobseeker is supported through the service for up to a further 6 months.

Jobseekers who find employment after completing their engagement period (phase one) with the Jobpath service are not counted towards the service provider’s outcomes and the providers cannot claim fees in respect of these clients. As such, the Department does not specifically record the numbers of clients to find work after completing their engagement period with the JobPath service.

It is intended that a full econometric evaluation of the service will commence towards the end of 2017. My Department has however commenced publishing a performance report for the service on a quarterly basis. The most recent report was published on the Department’s website last week and can be accessed at -

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I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.