Paul Connaughton (Galway East, Fine Gael)
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Question 290: To ask the Minister for Social Protection the reason a person (details supplied) in County Galway was refused permission to participate in the JobBridge scheme when they were on jobseeker's benefit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14217/12]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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The person concerned had a JobBridge eligibility form completed at his Social Welfare Local Office on the 20 January 2012, who deemed him eligible at that point in time. The host organisation was subsequently informed that the person concerned was approved to commence a placement under the JobBridge scheme. It is understood that the he commenced work with the organisation on 30 January 2012. However, his jobseeker's benefit had expired on 21 January 2012, prior to his commencement with this organisation.

The person concerned has been informed that it is open to him to apply for jobseeker's allowance and to seek to have his application backdated to the date on which his jobseeker's benefit expired. If he qualifies for jobseeker's allowance he will be eligible to participate in JobBridge.