Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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The Intreo Partners Local Area Employment Services is a contracted employment service which provides support to long-term unemployed people and those furthest from the labour market.

The service is provided for long-term (greater than 24 months) unemployed jobseekers for a period of 52 weeks and then for a further period of in-employment support for 17 weeks if the client obtains employment.

Fees paid to the Contractor by my Department in respect of the Services provided include a Service Start Fee at the beginning of the client's engagement period, a Personal Progression Plan (PPP) Fee on completion of the initial PPP in respect of each client and a Performance Fee on the completion of seventeen weeks of full-time employment or self-employment.

Walk-in clients may present at a LAES or Intreo office seeking to avail of employment services. If the client presents at a LAES office, LAES will send the client's contact details to the relevant Intreo office and the referral will be reviewed by a DSP who will then determine if the LAES service is the most suitable intervention for the client. Where a client wishes to avail of an employment service but not the 12-month LAES service, this can be provided by an Employment Personal Advisors at their local Intreo centre.

The new Intreo Partners Local Area Employment Service commenced on a national basis in late 2022. My officials are in regular contact with all service providers to ensure that the new model is operating effectively. The operation of the contract is kept under ongoing review.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.