Martin Ferris (Kerry, Sinn Fein)
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1329. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the reason a person (details supplied) who works part-time, is caring for a partner and has completed JobPath less than 12 months ago has been called again to attend on 27 March 2019; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14113/19]

Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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All Jobseekers on the live register; including those working part time and in receipt of jobseeker payments must be capable of; available for and actively seeking full time employment, they are also required to engage with the Department’s activation services. The Social Welfare (Consolidated) Act 2005, as amended, specifies that participation in activation meetings is mandatory.

JobPath is an employment activation service that supports people who are long-term unemployed, including those in casual or part time employment. People referred to the JobPath service are chosen by means of a random selection process and protocols for selection currently preclude the selection of anyone who has already completed 52 weeks with the JobPath service within the previous four months.

Customers referred to JobPath who are working part-time have all activities including meetings with their personal advisor scheduled around their work commitments and the JobPath contractors are required to be flexible in the provision of the service in that respect.

The client referenced completed their first period of engagement with the Job Path service a year ago in March 2018 and was randomly selected to return to the service for additional support and assistance to find full time sustainable work. In view of the matters raised by the Deputy in respect of the person mentioned I have asked my officials in the local Intreo Centre to discuss alternative departmental schemes which may be more appropriate for this person.

I trust this clarifies matters for the Deputy.