Emer Currie (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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940. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if he will consider reviewing the eligibility criteria for the EmployAbility Service to include individuals attending Section 39-funded organisations who are seeking employment but may not currently qualify; if he will consider the allocation of a dedicated local employment support officer in areas such as Mulhuddart to assist individuals in line with the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015, which provides for support in decision-making to enable individuals to exercise their right to make decisions about their personal welfare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30167/25]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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The Employability service is open to all people with disabilities including those recovering from injury or illness, who are eager to enter or return to the workplace and need the support of a Job Coach. It is not restricted to persons in receipt of Social Welfare payments.

The service is available to people between the ages of 18 years and 65 years who are recovering from injury or illness that are job ready and need support. The decision of job readiness is determined by Intreo Employment Personal Advisors who then make the referral to the local Employability Service. Since the end of May this year, each Intreo Office now has a dedicated Disability Employment Personal Advisor.

Following the referral from the local Intreo Employment Support Service, jobseekers work with a dedicated Employability job coach who will provide pre-employment and in-employment support and assistance. These companies also act as a recruitment advice service for the business community. Employability companies are contracted by my Department and the service is currently delivered nationwide by 23 providers. Employability services for the Mulhuddart area are provided by the Dublin West Employability Service through Business in the Community.

The Decision Support Service (DSS) is a service established under the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015. The DSS provides an essential service for people who face difficulties and need support exercising their decision-making capacity. The DSS however, falls under the remit of the Department of Children, Disability and Equality.

The Blanchardstown Intreo Office provides a full range of services for jobseekers in Dublin West including those living in the Mulhuddart area. If the Deputy has a specific case in mind, I would ask the Deputy to pass on the relevant details and I will ask my Department officials to examine the details.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.