Eric Byrne (Dublin South Central, Labour)
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Question 41: To ask the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding the internship scheme as announced in the jobs initiative; if it is envisaged that these internships will include workplace based personal assistants and if he will give these schemes consideration for coverage under the scheme. [13141/11]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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The National Internship Scheme is a key part of the Government's Jobs Initiative. It will provide up to 5,000 unemployed people with an internship opportunity ranging from 6 to 9 months in an organisation in the private, public or community and voluntary sectors. Under the National Internship Scheme, internship opportunities should provide participants with valuable work experience, which enhance their skills and competencies, with the aim of improving their prospects of securing employment. Provided both an organisation and the internship opportunity they intend to offer meet the scheme's eligibility criteria, they will be allowed to participate in the scheme.

Work is being finalised on the development of the National Internship Scheme so that it will be ready for launch by the beginning of July. It is expected that a website will be available in the coming days so that potential host organisations and interns can access information and also express their interest in participating in the scheme.