Bríd Smith (Dublin South Central, People Before Profit Alliance)
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708. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection her plans for the JobPath scheme; when current contracts with providers Turas Nua and Seetec will expire; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14772/20]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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In 2019, my Department activated extension provisions within the existing contracts of both JobPath providers that enable referrals to the JobPath service until the end of 2020.

Normal labour activation services were suspended in recent months in accordance with public health guidelines, although engagement with clients continued by phone where possible. However, in parallel with the Intreo service, our contracted public employment services, including JobPath and the Local Employment Services, have resumed activation for new referrals. It is vital to continue to engage with the long term unemployed and other cohorts to ensure they do not become further distant from the labour market. This will be undertaken with due regard to public health requirements.

In common with all contracted public employment services, my Department is examining all options for the provision of services in 2021 with due regard to the significant labour market impacts of Covid-19 and the associated restrictions.

My Department engaged external consultants in late 2019 to review all current contracted public employment services, including JobPath. Their report, currently being finalised, will inform the Government's decision on the future structure of all contracted public employment services. It is essential that we ensure our labour market activation services are fit-for-purpose and provide value for money. This must be balanced against the pressing need to ensure that these key services are in situ when needed by those who have lost their jobs arising from the economic impact of the pandemic.