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Dáil
‹ Questions on Promised Legislation

JobPath travel costs

Summary

Deputy Kenny raises hardship caused by JobPath appointments for rural claimants who must travel long distances and may lose payments if they miss them. The chair rules it inappropriate for this debate, but the Tánaiste agrees to examine the transport-cost issue; Kenny notes workers are paid to travel to work, and the Tánaiste says similar transport costs arise in CE schemes too.

Under the programme for Government we have a scheme called JobPath. It is being delivered in my constituency by a private company called Seetec. For people in rural Ireland this is a major difficulty because many of them have to travel long distances to make the appointments.

Recently, I was contacted by a woman from west Cavan. She is 30 miles from Cavan town. She was told that she would have to come three times each week for an appointment. She explained that there was no bus service and that she did not drive. She was told that she would have to get a taxi. She asked whether she would be compensated. The person in Seetec told her that was her problem.

We have asked several times for this scheme to be scrapped because we believe it is inappropriate. Failing that, will the Government put in place some kind of travel fund for people who have to travel long distances?

Comment on this

This is not an appropriate matter under Questions on Promised Legislation. It would be more appropriate as a Topical Issue.

Comment on this

It is part of promised legislation. If people do not attend these appointments, their money will be cut yet they cannot afford to attend them. Will some fund be put in place to compensate people who have to travel long distances, especially those in rural areas?

Comment on this

I will certainly examine the matter. I know the cost of transport is a real issue. Of course it is not only an issue for people who are attending JobPath. It is an issue for people who go to work.

Comment on this

They get paid to go to work.

Comment on this

It is an issue as well for people who take part in CE schemes and in other areas.

Comment on this

That concludes Questions on Promised Legislation. I apologise to the five Deputies whose cases were not reached.

Comment on this