John Brady (Wicklow, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

633. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the work undertaken on the future of the local employment service; and the initial work being carried out in respect of the service in its current form. [11514/19]

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

My Department oversees the procurement process for the Local Employment Services (LES).

In looking to the future of the contracted public employment service, my Department commissioned Indecon to conduct a review of the Local Employment Services and Job Clubs. LES and Job Club providers were aware of the Indecon review and were consulted during the review process. This review was published in January and my Department hosted an information session with representatives of all the LES and Job Clubs in attendance on 25 January.

The process of procuring contracted public employment services for 2020 and beyond is still in its early stages and my officials are working to design a procurement model that will balance the need for value for money for taxpayers with the importance of preserving high-quality labour activation services. No final decisions have been made in this regard but my Department will continue to engage with relevant stakeholders.