Mattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent)
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1187. To ask the Minister for Social Protection the number of persons who gained employment in County Tipperary following referral to the Turas Nua scheme since the scheme was introduced; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33693/17]

Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will be aware, 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 JobPath service commenced operations in Tipperary in October 2015. To date, almost 4,500 people have commenced their engagement period with the service in Tipperary.

In relation to the number of participants to find employment, it is important to note that 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 over two phases. During the first phase, of 12 months duration, the PA provides practical assistance in searching, preparing for, securing and sustaining employment. The second phase starts if the jobseeker is successful in finding work. 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. 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.

It will therefore take time to accumulate a sufficient number of clients (who have completed their engagement period with the service) for complete and robust outcome data to be available. With this in mind, it is intended that an econometric evaluation of the service will commence at the end of 2017.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.