115. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social Protection if a final decision has issued in respect of an application from a person in County Mayo (details supplied), or if this application is at the appeal stage; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39488/24]

The Work Placement Experience Programme (WPEP) is a key policy initiative under the Government's national employment services strategy, Pathways to Work 2021-2025. It is a funded work placement scheme to provide quality work experience to unemployed jobseekers to build their skills and experience. Placements run for 6 months at 30 hours per week to include time spent on training. All participants are currently paid a minimum of €335 per, plus any social welfare increases for qualified adults and children.

Under the current guidelines for WPEP, a role cannot displace opportunities that are already existing for training, work experience or employment through other initiatives, including Community Employment. In relation to this WPEP application, it appears that there may be two associated businesses linked to with the work activities, one relating to community employment.

The matter is being reviewed currently with a view to determining the appropriateness of the opportunity as a work experience placement. When the review is completed over the coming days, the jobseeker will be advised of the outcome.