JobBridge Programme

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 November 2013

Tuesday, 5 November 2013

Ceisteanna (428, 449, 470, 578)

Michael Lowry

Ceist:

428. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Social Protection if her attention has been drawn to the anomaly that exists within the JobBridge scheme and those who have been working voluntarily; if her attention has been further drawn to the fact that many of those who have been working for free to try to further their careers cannot take up on JobBridge positions, as they have not been claiming a qualifying social welfare payment, and are losing out as a result; if she will review a case of a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary relating to this issue; if she will take steps to tackle this unfairness; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45736/13]

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Ceist:

449. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Social Protection the additional weekly payment young jobseekers aged 23-24 and aged 25 will receive under the proposed new rates for jobseeker's allowance if they participate in JobBridge; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45796/13]

Mattie McGrath

Ceist:

470. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason a person on JobBridge is not entitled to fuel allowance when the income is low (details supplied); if she will consider extending this payment to those on JobBridge; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45833/13]

Joe Carey

Ceist:

578. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Social Protection when the JobBridge programme will be extended to a maximum of three internships for a maximum cumulative period of 18 months; the maximum length of a single internship remaining nine months; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46996/13]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Social Protection

I propose to take Questions Nos. 428, 449, 470 and 578 together.

JobBridge is targeted at those in receipt of certain Social Welfare payments and those signing for credits for at least 3 months (78 days) out of the previous 6 months. Persons who do not satisfy these criteria are not eligible to participate in the scheme.

A jobseeker participating on a JobBridge internship will receive a weekly top-up payment of €50 in addition to their existing social welfare payment.

If an individual on a JobBridge internship was in receipt of the fuel allowance at the time of taking up the JobBridge internship the person would retain the fuel allowance. A person in a household participating on a JobBridge internship would not debar an eligible applicant from the fuel allowance. One fuel allowance only may be paid per household.

It is anticipated that the changes relating to the number and maximum cumulative duration of internships will take effect within the coming weeks. Full details of these changes will be published on the home page of the JobBridge website www.jobbridge.ie.

Question No. 429 withdrawn.