Cultural Institutions under the remit of my Department operate both paid and unpaid internships. Paid internships are funded from a number of sources such as fellowship grants from private sponsors.
Unpaid internships are generally of short duration in specialised areas such as conservation and exhibitions. These internships are mainly availed of by students and recent graduates and in many instances form part of the students course requirements. I understand that three national cultural institutions under the aegis of my Department - the National Museum of Ireland, the Irish Museum of Modern Art and the National Gallery of Ireland - are currently operating such internships.
The National Cultural Institutions are independent bodies under the aegis of the Department, it is a matter for these bodies to decide if they are able to facilitate requests for short term internships from students and other interested in developing a career in the sector.
The Workplace Relations Committee has indicated that it hopes to devise an information campaign on internships in the coming months. My Department will ensure that the National Cultural Institutions will have full regard to all guidance received on these matters.