John Brady (Wicklow, Sinn Fein)
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223. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if persons can be refunded the cost of a taxi to and from a JobPath appointment in cases in which public transport is not available in the area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15622/19]

Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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The JobPath providers are obliged to provide a baseline level of support to each participant but are free to adapt that support in individual cases, provided that it is not unduly onerous. The JobPath contracts provide that a person should not have to travel more than 60 minutes in normal circumstances to attend an appointment. Where a person has transport difficulties, the JobPath Company can assist the person with travel arrangements tailoring the service around their particular travel requirements.

JobPath providers give an immediate reimbursement for travel expenses upon production of a ticket / evidence of travel. Fares are covered for the cheapest travel method available and taxi fares are generally not refunded. 

Any person who is experiencing difficulties with transport which is affecting their ability to engage with the JobPath service should discuss the matter with their JobPath provider so that a solution can be found.