Written answer
Employment Support Services
120. Deputy George Lawlor asked the Minister for Social Protection if he intends any specific short-term financial and career-transition supports; if the Department is putting any in place for workers affected by recent tech-sector layoffs; and the way in which he plans to ensure that these supports are accessible without excessive [46176/26]
Comment on this
A range of jobseekers supports is available from my Department. This includes financial supports and employment supports. The quickest and easiest way to apply for a jobseeker’s payment is through MyWelfare using a verified MyGovID account. You can get a verified MyGovID account if you have a Public Services Card, a verified mobile phone number and an email address.
Where an employer implements redundancies my department contacts that employer and engages with them to ensure there is no delays in processing claims and provides all relevant information regarding jobseeker’s supports and other supports available. Employees are also encouraged to use the MyWelfare.ie online platform to make their jobseeker's claim. To receive a jobseeker’s payment, a person must fully satisfy all the qualifying conditions including being available for full-time work and genuinely seeking work.
Through the network of Intreo Centres, my department offers an individualised employment support service. Employment Personal Advisors meet with jobseekers and work with them to develop an individualised action plan to identify steps they can take to support them to progress to sustainable employment.
In addition, Intreo provides a range of supports to help Jobseekers find work including referrals to further education/training and upskilling programmes, and access to work placements and programmes. Where a person is considered job-ready they can be supported with CV preparation or interview training and matched or referred to suitable job vacancies.
Furthermore, JobsIreland.ie, my Department's free online recruitment platform is also available and open for all jobseekers to register, create a profile, upload a CV and apply directly to an employer for roles advertised.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.