Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 June 2012
361 Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Social Protection if her attention has been drawn to the fact that some recipients of one-parent family allowance, who until recently were unable to access the jobbridge programme and undertook work placements instead, are still unable to access jobbridge placements in the same organisation owing to existing rules; and if these rules may be amended to facilitate access to the jobbridge programme. [28268/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Internship Scheme was launched on 1 July 2011. It provides internship opportunities of either 6 or 9 months for unemployed individuals at all skills levels. The aim of JobBridge is to assist individuals in breaking the cycle where they are unable to get a job without experience. It provides them with an opportunity to gain valuable experience, relevant knowledge and skills within a working environment. The Scheme is open to organisations in the private, public and community or voluntary sectors. The Scheme has made significant progress to-date. As at 31 May 2012, 7,495 internship placements have commenced since the launch of the Scheme in July 2011. There are currently 4,872 interns undertaking internship placements. In addition, there are in excess of 1,800 internship posts currently advertised on the JobBridge websitewww.jobbridge.ie.
From 28 May 2012, the eligibility criteria were extended to include those in receipt of One Parent Family Payment and Disability Allowance. The terms and conditions of the Scheme provide that an individual cannot apply for a Jobbridge internship with an organisation that they have previously completed a WPP with. The rationale behind this is to prevent a company from accessing multiple placements with the same individual. My Department continues to monitor and review the operation of the JobBridge scheme on an on-going basis. However, currently there are no plans to amend these regulations. Finally, it is important to highlight that an individual who has partaken in the Work Placement Programme may also undertake an internship with a different Host Organisation.
