Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 September 2011
266 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will deal with a matter (details supplied) regarding the JobBridge — national internship programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25953/11]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Internship Scheme provides internship opportunities of either 6 or 9 months for unemployed individuals on the Live Register. The scheme is limited to individuals who are currently on the Live Register and have been in receipt of Jobseekers Allowance/Benefit or are signing on for credits for at least 3 of the last 6 months.
The overall objective of labour market policy is to ensure a pathway to appropriate employment, training and education opportunities for those on the Live Register so that as employment opportunities become available they are taken up by those on the Live Register.
Given the scale of the unemployment crisis, it is imperative to keep those on the Live Register close to the labour market and prevent the drift into long-term unemployment. This will ensure that those availing of activation measures such as the National Internship Scheme will gain work experience and so be in a better position to avail of employment opportunities as the economy improves.
For these reasons, the eligibility for the scheme is confined to those on the Live Register and in receipt of unemployment payments or signing for credits for 3 months. In so designing the scheme, the policy objective is to prioritise scarce resources on those on the Live Register so as to increase their chances of leaving it and ensure a reduction in Exchequer costs over time.
In the particular case highlighted by the Deputy such an individual may avail of the FÁS Work Placement Programme, which provides individuals with the opportunity to gain work experience. An individual may qualify for the Work Placement Programme immediately if they do not wish to receive a social welfare payment from the State. Further information on the Work Placement Programme is available on the FÁS website.
