Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 21 November 2013
121. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the extent to which a person (details supplied) in County Dublin will be facilitated by way of JobBridge or similar mechanism; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50066/13]
View answerThe objective of JobBridge, the National Internship Scheme, is to assist individuals bridge the gap between unemployment and the world of work. It provides those seeking employment with an opportunity to undertake a 6 or 9 month internship in a host organisation. Participation on the scheme will assist in breaking that cycle whereby unemployed people are unable to get a job without experience. On completing their internship, participants will have improved their prospects of securing employment. The scheme is targeted at individuals who are in receipt of one of the following payments (Jobseekers Allowance/Jobseekers Benefit/One Parent Family Payment/Disability Allowance) or are signing on for credits for at least 3 of the last 6 months (78 Days). Individuals must have a live qualifying claim at the point of commencing their internship.
The person is currently on a Back to Education programme which commenced in September 2013 and is due to finish in May 2014. If the person completes this programme then time spent on this programme will count towards his eligibility to participate on JobBridge.
