Brendan Griffin (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
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Question 632: To ask the Minister for Social Protection her views on a matter (details supplied) regarding the internship scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18950/12]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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The National Internship Scheme provides internship opportunities of either 6 or 9 months for unemployed individuals on the Live Register, in organisations in the private, public and community voluntary sectors. Its aim is to assist in breaking the cycle where jobseekers are unable to get a job without experience and provide the opportunity to gain valuable experience, relevant knowledge and skills in a working environment. The Scheme has made significant progress to-date. Currently, over 6,200 internship placements have commenced to-date. In addition, there are 2,000 posts currently advertised on the JobBridge website. Our records indicate that a significant proportion of individuals have progressed into employment on completion of their internship placements. The JobBridge scheme is open to all individuals irrespective of their skill levels. Low skilled individuals have a right to access an activation measure that is specifically designed to improve their skills, enhance their experience and improve their chances of securing employment in the future. There are internship opportunities currently available for individuals who may be low skilled. However, these are only approved if they can show that the intern will receive a broad and practical work experience that will involve significant learning outcomes for the intern.

A variety of measures have been introduced to protect the intern and to ensure the integrity of the JobBridge Scheme. In order for an application from a Host Organisation to be approved the host organisation must meet a number of criteria. These criteria are to ensure that the internship does not displace an existing position; that it provides appropriate training and development experience; and that appropriate mentoring and support is provided to the Intern. Additionally in order for an internship to commence a Standard Agreement must be signed and agreed to by both the Intern and the Host Organisation. This Agreement clearly states the terms of the internship; including the expected working hours, which can range from 30 – 40 hours (maximum) per week and the specific learning outcomes the intern will gain over the course of their internship.

To ensure that both the host organisation and intern are abiding by the spirit and the rules of the scheme, the Department of Social Protection are involved in the continuous monitoring of internships. This involves the regular review of monthly compliance reports and the conducting of random monitoring site visits to facilitate discussions with both parties to the Internship.

It is worth noting that participation in the Scheme is voluntary and an intern may contact the JobBridge Team at any stage of their Internship for advice and support. Consequently any individual, who suspects that an internship may be in breach of the scheme's criteria, including cases of suspected displacement and quality, may contact the JobBridge team. All such matters are fully investigated.

My Department continues to monitor and review the operation of the JobBridge scheme on an ongoing basis.