John Brady (Wicklow, Sinn Fein)
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613. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection when the econometric evaluation of JobPath will be published. [5158/19]

Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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My Department is currently working closely with the OECD to finalise a detailed econometric review of JobPath to gauge its effectiveness as means of labour activation for the long-term unemployed. This work is in its final stages and it is intended that it will be published once completed.

John Brady (Wicklow, Sinn Fein)
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614. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection her views on a matter regarding JobPath providers (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5163/19]

Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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There are no barriers to the way by which jobseekers can source employment. The JobPath service helps and supports their clients to identify and pursue suitable job opportunities themselves and the personal adviser will provide any appropriate support that the person may require, from preparing their CV and assisting with the job application to financial assistance for clothing or transport costs at interview stage or in the first days of employment.

The JobPath providers are 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.

A 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.

The primary purpose of the activation services provided by my Department, including the JobPath service is to assist and support jobseekers to look for and sustain full time employment. It is worth noting that, of the approximately 206k persons who have been referred to the JobPath service to date, 52% have been unemployed for more than 3 years. This service offers people who have been long term unemployed intensive one-to one support from a personal adviser.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Lisa Chambers (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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615. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection her plans for JobPath and its future; her further plans to disband the service; if so, when; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5178/19]

Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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My Department oversees the overall procurement process for JobPath.

In this context, my Department is continually engaged in ensuring all contracted public employment services are fit for purpose. No formal tendering process for 2020 is currently underway and no final decisions have been made in this regard.

My Department will continue to consult with the relevant stakeholders to ensure that any future contracted public employment service gives the best possible service for those who wish to return to the labour market.