National Internship Scheme Eligibility

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 18 July 2013

Thursday, 18 July 2013

Questions (362)

Damien English

Question:

362. Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Social Protection her plans to develop the JobBridge scheme so that those in the crafts industry here, who are predominately self-employed, can become eligible for participation in this scheme so that their business could benefit and grow from the addition of the internship programme to the stage that additional employees could be taken on at a future stage; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36777/13]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

Officials of the Department have had detailed discussions with representatives of the Craft Council of Ireland and I am happy to advise that the Department is working closely with the Crafts Council of Ireland on extending participation on JobBridge on a pilot basis to the craft sector. The Craft Council of Ireland has 61 internship opportunities advertised on the JobBridge website since the 24 June 2013.

The main purpose of this pilot is to examine the feasibility of extending internship opportunities within the craft sector and evaluate progression into employment outcomes and overall to evaluate if extending participation to the craft sector is in keeping with the spirit and the ethos of the scheme.