Jerry Buttimer (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 325: To ask the Minister for Social Protection if she will consider amending the criteria to participate in the JobBridge scheme in order that those in part-time employment, in an area unrelated to their qualifications, can partake in the programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26927/11]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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In order to qualify for an internship a potential intern must be in receipt of a live jobseeker's claim and have been in receipt of jobseeker's allowance or jobseeker's benefit, or signing for credits, for a minimum of three of the previous six months. Time spent on certain government sponsored training may also be taken into account when calculating eligibility.

Providing they fulfil all JobBridge eligibility criteria regarding jobseeker's allowance/benefit, persons in part-time employment are currently entitled to take part in the JobBridge scheme. An additional requirement is that the part-time employment does not interfere with the minimum weekly hours (thirty) of the internship.