Cormac Devlin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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578. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if consideration has been given to requesting the assistance of local employment service personnel in processing and progressing those on jobseeker’s payments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10023/21]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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As the processing of jobseeker claims is currently in line with my Department’s service delivery targets, the requirement to secure the assistance of third parties in the processing of such claims does not arise at this time. As the Deputy will be aware, individuals can apply for a jobseeker's claim online through my Department's online portal www.MyWelfare.ie.

The pandemic and its impact on the economy has increased demand on many of my Department's services, most notably income supports and customer information services. Due to the reintroduction of Level 5 restrictions, all referrals to employment services, including those to the Local Employment Service were temporarily suspended and all service providers currently continue to work remotely with their existing clients.

I trust that this information is of assistance to the Deputy.