Written answer
Public Sector Staff
The Minister did not commit to ring-fencing jobs, citing inclusive recruitment pathways and programmes that help unemployed people enter or return to public service.
409. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation in order to better support people in receipt of jobseeker's payments trying hard to gain employment, if he would consider seeking the ring fencing of a portion of public sector jobs for those who are unemployed to assist them in returning to work; and if he will consider this proposal and engage with the Minister for Social Protection on this. [73230/26]
Comment on this
Under section 58 of the Public Service Management (Recruitment and Appointments) Act 2004, as Minister of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation I am responsible for all matters relating to recruitment in the Civil Service. Responsibility for recruitment in each sector of the Public Service is a matter for the relevant Minister.
The Civil Service remains committed to supporting access to employment and increasing workforce diversity through targeted initiatives and pathways aimed at groups who may face barriers to participation. This includes delivering workforce related actions under key national equality and inclusion strategies, including disability, LGBTQI+ inclusion, Irish Traveller and Roma inclusion and tackling racism.
The Civil Service also supports the statutory employment targets for disabled people under Part 5 of the Disability Act 2005 and continues to strengthen pathways into employment through initiatives such as the Willing Able Mentoring (WAM) programme, Oireachtas Work Learning (OWL), Assisted Return to Career (ARC) programme, apprenticeships, traineeships and other supported employment opportunities.
Expanding apprenticeship opportunities remains a key priority under the Better Public Services Strategy, supporting both current and future skills requirements across the Public Service. Apprenticeships support people who are unemployed to enter or return to the workforce while developing valuable skills and experience. This year there are 566 apprentices currently participating across the Civil and Public Service.
The Assisted Return to Career (ARC) programme supports mid-career individuals who have been out of the workforce for two or more years to re-engage with employment by providing structured work placements in key areas such as ICT, HR and Finance. The programme helps participants rebuild confidence, refresh their skills and improve their prospects of securing longer-term employment. This year all 20 ARC Returnees secured a permanent role in the Civil Service.
I will continue to support measures that broaden access to Civil Service employment and will continue to work with relevant stakeholders to develop and promote inclusive recruitment pathways for those seeking to enter or return to employment.