John Paul Phelan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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Question 142: To ask the Minister for Social Protection if specific legislation relating to length, remuneration and remit of internships is planned; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17755/11]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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The Social Welfare and Pensions Bill 2011 has passed all stages in the Dáil and Seanad. In relation to the National Internship Scheme, the Bill provides that participants on the scheme will not be employees of host organisations for any enactment or rule of law with the exception of the Tax Acts and the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005.

The National Internship Scheme itself will be an administrative scheme operated under my Department's remit. There are no plans to introduce legislation in relation to length, remit or remuneration of internships.

In order to participate in the national internship scheme both a host organisation and an intern must sign a Standard Internship Agreement. This agreement clearly stipulates the terms of the internship including its length, remit and issues such as the maximum number of hours an intern can work. In relation to remuneration participants on the national internship scheme will receive an internship allowance from my Department, which consists of their existing social welfare entitlements plus a weekly top up of €50.