National Internship Scheme Eligibility

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 July 2014

Tuesday, 1 July 2014

Questions (260)

Pat Breen

Question:

260. Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Social Protection her plans to make changes to the eligibility criteria for interns participation on the JobBridge scheme to facilitate persons who are on a qualifying payment such as jobseeker's allowance, and who do not have a 78-day qualifying period in the three months previous, in view of the fact that they may be working part-time at weekends and only signing on for four days and who are very anxious to participate on the scheme in order that they can improve their employment prospects; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28556/14]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

I have no plans at present to change the eligibility criteria for JobBridge. Those working part-time or casually and who are in receipt of an eligible payment or signing for credits are eligible to participate in JobBridge. Under the current arrangements, a person may meet the requirement of being in receipt of a qualifying payment (or signing for credits) for 78 days over a six-month period, not a three-month period as the Deputy states. This six-month period was set in order to facilitate those who work casually or part-time. I wish to advise the Deputy that officials in the Department will be more than happy to assist the Deputy if he has a specific case in hand.