Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 6 November 2012
575. Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Social Protection if her attention has been drawn to the fact that many applicants for positions through jobbridge are having their applications unacknowledged by host organisations; if there is any mechanisms in place to ensure that all applicants receive an acknowledgement; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48244/12]
View answerThe National Internship Scheme, JobBridge, was launched on 1st July 2011. It provides internship opportunities of either 6 or 9 months for unemployed individuals at all skills levels. The aim of JobBridge is to assist individuals in breaking the cycle where they are unable to get a job without experience. It provides them with an opportunity to gain valuable experience, relevant knowledge and skills within a working environment. The Scheme is open to organisations in the private, public and community or voluntary sectors.
The JobBridge Scheme has made significant progress to-date since it came into operation on the 1st July 2011. 11,671 internships have commenced to date with 5,262 participants currently on an internship as at 1st November 2012 and 1,879 internship opportunities presently advertised on www.jobbridge.ie.
I would like to advise the Deputy that the Department has developed a toolkit on the JobBridge website, www.jobbridge.ie that provides advice and guidance on key elements of a good internship. Within this context, it is widely recognised that it is good policy and practice for host organisations to acknowledge receipt of applications from jobseekers.
However, I would advise the Deputy that the process of applying for internships is entirely a matter for the host organisation and prospective interns. As you are aware, participation on the Scheme is on a voluntary basis and the Department is not involved in the recruitment process other than hosting the advertisements and verifying the eligibility of jobseekers to participate.
The Department does not condone incidences wherein jobseekers apply for posts and do not receive an acknowledgment from their prospective host organisation. In light of matters raised by the Deputy, the Department will re-emphasise the importance of host organisations responding to applications by jobseekers. This will be implemented via the JobBridge website.
