Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

1262. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if her attention has been drawn to the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 9 and the unsatisfactory manner in which he or she was treated by Seetec; if she has received correspondence from the person; the steps she has taken to address his or her concerns; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25541/18]

Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I can confirm for the Deputy that no formal complaint or correspondence has been received from the person refereed to. Seetec have also advised my Department that no complaint has been received by them. My Department’s Local Intreo Office have advised the person concerned of the Complaints Process should he wish to make a complaint.

It is a requirement of Seetec’s contract with the Department that, in the first instance, they investigate any issues that may arise in respect of the service they provide. If the client remains dissatisfied having exhausted the Contractors Complaint Process, which has various levels of escalation built in, he can then seek a review which will be conducted by my Department.

All jobseekers referred to Department’s activation services including those referred to the JobPath service are asked to complete an assessment of their work related skills and experience and agree a Personal Progression Plan (PPP) with their personal advisor. The PPP is an agreed set of actions between the client and the Employment Advisor; it includes the person’s two primary job goals but also includes additional skills and job aspirations for the purpose of supporting the Jobseeker to progress towards full-time sustainable employment.

In the case of the individual concerned, the PPP includes 7 additional skills and competencies in addition to the two job goals.

Jobseekers are asked to sign the PPP as an indication of their agreement to the activation measures contained in the PPP. As was stated during my Department’s recent appearance before the Joint Oireachtas Committee, Jobseekers are not obliged to sign a PPP, and a sanction will not be applied for refusing to sign a PPP. However, all Jobseekers are obliged under the legislation to be genuinely seeking work and to fully engage with the activation service provided by the Department. I am happy to confirm for the Deputy that no person is coerced into signing a “contract” with Seetec.

My Department has asked Seetec to review the issue of the recording of qualifications with the person concerned. However, I can confirm that the horticultural experience was noted on the person’s Personal Progression Plan.