Irish Local Development Network (ILDN), representing Ireland’s Local Employment Service providers has  welcomed the publication of a report by the Joint Committee on Social Protection, Community and Rural Development and the Islands examining the provision of Public Employment Services throughout the State.

 

The Joint Committee has made nine recommendations in its report. Among the recommendations is a call that the Local Employment Service is maintained in its current format and that the Department of Social Protection works to ensure that Local Employment Service contracts meet all legal obligations. The Committee also recommends that the Local Employment Service is expanded into areas where it does not operate using Local Development Companies in those regions and that the Job Clubs are retained in their current format.

 

Welcoming the report, Chair of the ILDN Special Working Group on the Future of Employment Services Martina Earley said;  “the Committee’s support for the retention of Local Employment Services & Jobs Clubs is significant. The Government has decided to end these vital services. This intervention by the Joint Oireachtas Committee including Government Party members must provide Minister Humphreys and the Department of Social Protection pause for thought.

 

“We are thankful to the Chairperson and members of the Committee for their work on this report and for the hearing they gave the ILDN in the process of developing this document. It is heartening to see many of our priorities reflected in the Committee’s report and supported by all Parties and none.” 

 

The Joint Oireachtas Committee report can be read here. 

ILDN CEO Joe Saunders addresses Joint Oireachtas Committee