Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 May 2014
105. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will reassess entitlement to qualify for JobBridge, the national internship scheme in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20647/14]
View answerJobBridge Internships are open to jobseekers who have been in receipt of an eligible Social Welfare payment (Jobseekers Allowance, Jobseekers Benefit, One Parent Family Payment, Disability Benefit) or signing for credits for 3 months (78 days) out of the previous 6 months. The scheme has been launched in this targeted way to allocate scarce Exchequer resources to make maximum impact for those at risk of long term unemployment while ensuring that it does not replace or displace the normal operation of the labour market. The Department does not make exceptions to these qualifying criteria.
The person referred to by the Deputy is casually employed with Knock Airport but has only accrued 28 relevant payment days in the last 6 months to the week of 23 April, 2014. Those in part-time and casual work become eligible when they have accrued the qualifying 78 days. The person in question is not currently eligible for a JobBridge internship.
