Pat Gallagher (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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619. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection to set out the number of persons on JobPath in County Donegal as of 1 February 2018; the number of persons who were on JobPath for the same date in 2017; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6795/18]

Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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JobPath is an employment service, designed to support people who are long-term unemployed to secure and sustain paid employment.

In relation to the number of people who have commenced their engagement period with the service, 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 Advisor (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 these 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.

As of the end of January 2018 some 4,298 clients in Donegal were engaged with the service, the total number of clients engaged on the same date in 2017 was 3,381.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.