There are concerns that local groups will struggle to meet government targets for the provision of jobs clubs in the Shannonside region if the services are privatised.
Hundreds of workers of 'jobs clubs' recently staged a demonstration outside the Dail at government plans to allow private companies to bid, as part of a tender process, for new State contracts to run programmes to assist people getting back into the workforce.
A report, published by the Irish Local Development Network this week, reveals that some companies may not be able to survive if they are to compete with private companies for work related schemes, and some sectors of people, such as carers or lone parents may be excluded from the scheme.
Martina Early is Chair of the Special Working group on the future of employment services of the ILDN.
She says areas like Roscommon will suffer significantly suffer if the service changes.
