Gerard Craughwell (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I second the amendment. I am delighted the Minister of State has brought in a number of amendments, which shows a willingness on his part to change and adapt as this legislation is going through the House. For that, I commend him.

On the issue adverted to by Senator Cullinane in regard to a regulatory framework for internships, it is a matter of great concern to me that the term "intern" has been used and abused since the economic downturn in this country and that highly qualified young people have been, if one likes, exploited through internship programmes. I stress that this is not the case everywhere and that some of those programmes have been excellent and have led to long-term futures and the development of experience for people who are looking for jobs. However, we have to move towards a regulatory framework whereby we can ensure that internships are being used for the purpose for which they were designed.

Internships are something that should not be synonymous with an economic downturn. Internships are good right across the board, going back to the good old days in the University of Limerick, where students had an entire year out working in the workforce. These things are good and they build the experience of individuals as they go into the workforce. However, I am concerned that there are those out there who will take these positions and abuse them. From that point of view, I support fully what Senator Cullinane has said.