Clare Daly (Dublin Fingal, Independent)
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602. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the level of information shared with Seetec. [23351/18]

Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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Upon referral the JobPath provider receives data that allows them to commence engagement with the customer. This data includes the customer’s name, address, date of birth, PPSN, education and employment history and work skills (e.g. possession of a driving licence) and employment preferences. During the period of the customer’s engagement with the JobPath service the contractors will notify my Department of any change of circumstance (e.g. address) which the customer notifies to the contractor and should the customer not be successful in gaining employment the contractor will provide my Department with an exit update upon completion of the 52 week engagement.

JobPath providers are contractually required to register with the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner.

All Contracts in place are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of Ireland and the courts of Ireland have exclusive jurisdiction over these contracts. My Department’s contracts with the JobPath providers are in compliance with all relevant legislation and any information shared is contractually based and necessary to provide a service.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Clare Daly (Dublin Fingal, Independent)
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603. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the reason it is not sufficient that the employer confirms employment status with her Department only in view of the requirement by Seetec to contact employers to confirm employment status (details supplied). [23352/18]

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 distant from the labour market to secure and sustain full-time paid employment.

While customers are participating with JobPath they receive intensive individual support to help them address barriers to employment and to assist them in finding jobs. Each person is assigned to a personal advisor who will assess a person’s skills, experience, challenges and work goals. Following the assessment, the jobseeker and their personal advisor will agree a personal progression plan, this document will include a schedule of activities, actions and job focused targets. Participants are also provided with a range of training and development supports including online modules, career advice, CV preparation and interview skills. The person may also be referred for further education and training opportunities.

The JobPath Providers are also required to offer in-work support to the person for up to twelve months while they remain in employment. This includes scheduled contact with the person as well as ad-hoc contact should they need immediate support or advice, this may be particularly important for those in temporary or part-time employment to provide the specific support needed to progress to more sustainable permanent employment.

The person is not under any obligation to provide employment or employer details to the JobPath provider but, if they wish to do so and avail of the in-employment support offered, all information will be treated confidentially.

I trust this clarifies matters for the Deputy.