766. Deputy Marie Sherlock asked the Minister for Social Protection the status of the publication of the successor Pathways to Work Strategy, which was anticipated early this year; the reason for the delay in its launch; and the timeline for its publication. [64948/26]

Pathways to Work is the Government's strategy for employment services and labour market activation. It brings together actions across Government to support people enter, remain in and progress in employment. Since the first Pathways to Work strategy was published in 2012, successive strategies have made an important contribution to improving labour market outcomes, including greater participation rates, increased levels of employment particularly amongst underrepresented groups, and reduced levels of long-term unemployment. The next iteration of the Pathways to Work strategy for 2026-2030 seeks to build on this progress and ensure that Ireland's employment services can respond effectively to changing economic, demographic and labour market conditions.

The development process has involved significant collaboration and engagement across Government and with external stakeholders, including the Labour Market Advisory Council (LMAC). The LMAC gathers trade union, enterprise, and community and voluntary sector representatives to advise the Government on labour market policy. It is responsible for developing annual progress reports for Pathways to Work. The Council meets four times a year with its most recent meeting held in early September 2026. The Council’s expert advice, guidance and oversight plays a key role in informing and supporting the development of the strategy.

Pathways to Work 2026-2030 has been developed using a whole-of-government approach, recognising the fact that employment outcomes are influenced by a broad range of policy areas, including education, skills, health, and childcare. Ongoing engagement across Government has informed the commitments set out in the strategy and will help ensure a coordinated response to the diverse challenges faced by jobseekers. This joined-up approach is central to supporting labour market participation and enabling more people to secure and sustain employment.

Between July and October last year, an extensive public consultation process was undertaken. Approximately 430 submissions were received, with an almost 50:50 ratio on submissions from individuals and organisations. Consultation workshops were hosted in September 2025 across a range of locations including Athlone, Letterkenny, Cork, Dublin and Galway.

The finalisation of the strategy is now at an advanced stage with a view to publishing in the coming weeks. The time taken to provide for a comprehensive consultation and engagement process will help ensure that the successor Pathways to Work strategy is evidence-based and responsive to the needs of jobseekers, employers and the wider economy. It will provide a clear framework for supporting labour market participation over the next five years, building on the successes of previous strategies while addressing emerging economic and societal challenges.