Written answers

Wednesday, 21 June 2017

Department of Social Protection

Departmental Websites

Photo of Catherine MurphyCatherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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256. To ask the Minister for Social Protection the cost incurred to date regarding the upgrade of a website (details supplied); if she has satisfied herself that the website is now fully operational; if she expects to incur further costs regarding the overhaul of the website; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29185/17]

Photo of Regina DohertyRegina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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Jobsireland.ie is a free online jobs site that enables employers to post job opportunities and jobseekers to search and apply for these opportunities online. At 20 years old, the original site was showing its age. For example, although it enabled jobseekers to search for job opportunities based on job type and location, it wasn’t possible for employers to search for suitable jobseekers on the site.

Accordingly, my Department issued a tender for the development and implementation of a new service that would enable both employers and jobseekers to search for each other using competencies and skillsets as well as the traditional job-type classifications. As part of the new service, candidate profiles are automatically matched to job specifications posted by employers. The system will also integrate with my Department’s Intreo service. Through a link with my Department’s Activation Case Management system, it will facilitate case officers to further support and monitor jobseeker employment search activity.

Following the procurement process, a young Irish technology company is building and delivering the new service. The contract is for a fixed fee of €3.36 million, payable over the first 5 years of a 5.5 year service period (the final 6 months of the service is payment free). The contract includes an optional extension period of 3 years, with the overall term not exceeding 8.5 years in total.

The new service was introduced in July 2016 and the total cost to date is almost €1,174,000.

There were some teething problems with the first phase implementation, but performance issues have now been resolved. Employers can now register and post vacancies, and candidates can register and upload CVs and apply for vacancies online. In addition, the system automatically matches candidates to employer specifications and both parties are notified of successful matches. There are currently almost 6,000 positions advertised on the site.

My Department continues to work with the supplier to enhance the service and will add additional functionality over the coming months. Anyone experiencing difficulties with the website can contact the Department’s National Contact Centre on 1890 800 024 for assistance.

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