Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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542. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the reason a person (details supplied) had to complete the same JobPath programme twice and was not allowed a 12 month break after their most recent employment in March 2018; if the matter will be reviewed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26491/18]

Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will know the JobPath activation service is to help long-term unemployed jobseekers find sustainable full time work. The duration of a person's jobseekers claim is recorded in terms of days of unemployment, any two such periods not separated by more than 52 weeks are considered to be the same continuous period of unemployment – this is known as linking the claims. Long-term jobseekers that have left the live register to go into employment for less than a year are still considered to be long-term if they reopen their claim within that 52 week period. The linking of claims allows the client to retain certain entitlements (for example no waiting days and other supplemental benefits), it also ensures they are also available for selection for activation services including JobPath as it is a priority of my Department to ensure that all Jobseekers receive support in returning to the workforce in a most timely and efficient manner as possible

In the case mentioned, the person concerned engaged with the JobPath service up to August 2017 and shortly afterwards was successful in finding a temporary position for 5 months before returning to the live register where they were again eligible for selection for receipt of activation support and the person was randomly selected for referral to the JobPath service in March 2018.

For this person in common with other jobseekers who are referred to the JobPath service after short periods of employment, the one to one case managed service will provide the support and assistance necessary to build on skills gained in the employment; to reconsider employment preferences if necessary and ensure that the work experience and other relevant information is factored into all future job applications.

I trust that this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.