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National Internship Scheme Numbers

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 January 2013

Tuesday, 22 January 2013

Questions (364)

Paul Connaughton

Question:

364. Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Social Protection the circumstances under which four persons who are on JobBridge in the housing section of Galway County Council and would like to remain may be allowed to continue their placements; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2724/13]

View answer

Written answers

The National Internship Scheme was launched on 1st July 2011. It provides internship opportunities of either 6 or 9 months for unemployed individuals on the Live Register, in organisations in the private, public and community voluntary sectors and at present is limited to individuals who are in receipt of a live claim (jobseeker's allowance jobseeker's benefit/one parent family payment/disability allowance) or are signing on for credits for at least 3 of the last 6 months (78 Days).

The JobBridge Scheme has made significant progress since it came into operation on the 1st July 2011. Some 13,770 internships have commenced to date with 5,548 participants currently on an internship as at 17th January 2013 and over 1,900 internship opportunities presently advertised on www.jobbridge.ie.

The eligibility to access the National Internship Scheme is based on the overall objective of labour market policy to provide a pathway to paid employment for people who are unemployed.

At present an eligible participant can avail of a placement on an internship work experience opportunity under the National Internship Scheme (NIS) for a 6 month (26 weeks) period or a 9 month (39 weeks) period. A six month internship may be extended , at the conclusion of the period, to nine months. An individual may avail of up to two placements on the National Internship Scheme, the total cumulative time not exceeding 9 months (39 weeks) over the two year period. The duration of any individual internship is determined, within these guidelines, by the host organisations

The time limits set for the duration of internships are designed to minimise the potential displacement of ‘real’ jobs by subsidised internship opportunities. The Department of Social Protection does not allow for any exceptions in relation to the eligibility criteria for JobBridge internship placements.

An independent evaluation of the Scheme is currently being undertaken by Indecon International Economic Consultants and is anticipated that a final report will be published in the coming weeks. As part of its remit Indecon has been asked to include recommendations on how the Scheme might be improved or expanded. I will consider any such recommendations carefully.

It is not possible to comment on the specific case raised by the Deputy without greater details on the circumstances of the participants or internships concerned. If the Deputy wishes to provide such details, officials in my Department will pursue the matter further.

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