Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 1 March 2012
11 Deputy Joe Higgins asked the Minister for Social Protection if it is the case that unemployed workers who are highly skilled and qualified in particular fields, for example, nurses, will be forced to accept jobs or internships outside of those fields, or risk losing their benefits under the pathways to work initiative. [11709/12]
View answerUsing the activation strategies set out in Pathways to Work the Department will seek, in so far as possible, to find jobs for unemployed workers in areas where they can contribute most added value commensurate with their skills. The Department will engage with and provide supports to increase their prospects of securing a job. As part of the job-matching service that we will offer employers, we will be seeking to match the job requirements with the capabilities of the candidates available on the live register. As part of the service to customers a customer profile will be drawn up, as well as a personal action plan to assist with the job matching process. It is highly likely that qualified and trained professionals, such as nurses, will get work in line with their skills and training. Under the rights and responsibilities approach of Pathways whereby a person has an entitlement to a Social Welfare payment and a responsibility to engage with the department, we will expect people to take up reasonable job offers. Ideally, we would like a person to be employed in their job of preference but this may not always be possible. The objective is to keep a person close to the labour market.
In relation to JobBridge, the National Internship Scheme which came into operation on 1st July 2011 as of Thursday 23rd February a total of 4,990 individuals had commenced an internship and there were a further 2,089 internships available to be filled. This represents very significant progress in a short period of time.
The JobBridge scheme, which is a voluntary arrangement, is open to all individuals irrespective of their skill levels and should assist the groups to which the Deputy refers to return to work.
Internships are currently available in a wide range of occupational sectors including Information Technology, Transport and Logistics, Science, Health, Education, Arts and Literature etc. Internships are also available to jobseekers in all geographic areas.
The aim of the National Internship Scheme is to assist in breaking the cycle where jobseekers are unable to get a job without experience, either as new entrants to the labour market after education or training or as unemployed workers wishing to learn new skills.
In addition the Department offers 85,650 job placement and work experience places through a variety of initiatives that include a range of options.
