2081. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Social Protection when the contract his Department with an organisation (details supplied) concludes; and if he intends to renew this contract. [58597/26]

My Department currently contracts three distinct public employment services, the Intreo Partners Local Area Employment Services (IPLAES), the Intreo Partners National Employment Services (IPNES) and the Employability service.

These services are delivered by a number of contracted providers on behalf of my Department. These include organisations from the community and voluntary sector and other specialist companies, including Turas Nua.

Contracts currently in place for these services were awarded following a number of competitive procurement exercises.

Contracts for the IPNES commenced in October 2022. The contracts are for a term of five years, with the option to extend for two further one year periods. This term includes a one-year "run-off" period during which no new clients are referred and providers will continue to work with existing clients.

Contracts for the IPLAES commenced in 2022. The contracts were awarded for a period of four years, with the option to extend for two further one year periods. This term includes a one-year "run-off" period during which no new clients are referred and providers will continue to work with existing clients. My Department has exercised its right to extend all IPLAES contracts and has exercised all available extension options.

Contracts for the Employability service commenced in April 2024. The contracts are for a period of three years, with the option to extend for two further one year periods. The Department has exercised this right and extended the contract for a fourth year.

Any future contracts for these services would be awarded subject to a competitive tendering process.