The customer was referred to the Job Club service on 12 June 2017 and attended in September 2017. The customer was also referred to the JobPath service on 17 June 2017, and agreed a personal progression plan with the JobPath provider on 6 July 2017. Having been referred to JobPat,h which provides an intensive, 12-month programme of support for the Long-Term Unemployed, the customer’s attendance at the JobClub was not required nor was it mandatory in this customer’s circumstance. The circumstances of a cross over in referrals are being examined by my department, and I shall revert to the Deputy when inquiries have been completed.
Participation on JobPath is mandatory for all jobseekers selected by my Department. The Social Welfare (Consolidated) Act 2005, as amended, specifies that participation in activation meetings is mandatory for those in receipt of Jobseekers Allowance. A failure to engage with JobPath can result in the application of sanctions, but all decisions regarding a person’s welfare entitlements while on JobPath are taken only by department Officials and not by the JobPath companies. The process for sanctioning clients who do not engage with the JobPath activation process is exactly the same as the process for clients who fail to engage with my Department’s own activation service.
Should a sanction be applied, and the customer considers it has been applied unfairly or in error, it is open to the customer to request a review with her local Intreo office or she can make an appeal to the Social Welfare Appeals Office either by e-mailing, swappeals@welfare.ie, or by writing to The Chief Appeals Officer, Social Welfare Appeals Office, D'Olier House, D'Olier Street, Dublin 2, D02 XY31.
I understand that the JobPath provider is currently investigating a complaint made by the customer in question regarding the service provided. It is a contractual requirement that the JobPath service provider in the first instance must investigate any issues that may arise in respect of the service they provide.
If having exhausted the provider’s complaints process, the customer remains dissatisfied, he or she may request my Department to carry out a review. This request must be in writing and clearly state the reasons why the customer is dissatisfied.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
