Jerry Buttimer (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 419: To ask the Minister for Social Protection if she will consider amending the jobbridge internship scheme in order that sole-traders can take on an intern under the scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20172/12]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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The National Internship Scheme was launched on 1 July 2011. It provides internship opportunities of either 6 or 9 months for unemployed individuals on the Live Register, at all skills levels. The aim of JobBridge is to assist individuals in breaking the cycle where they are unable to get a job without experience. It provides them with an opportunity to gain valuable experience, relevant knowledge and skills within a working environment. The Scheme is open to organisations in the private, public and community or voluntary sectors.

The Scheme has made significant progress to-date. 6,475 jobseekers have commenced their internship since 1 July 2011. There are currently 4,522 jobseekers undertaking internship opportunities. In addition, there are 1,989 internship opportunities available across a wide number of occupational sectors and geographic areas being hosted on the website. All these opportunities are advertised on the JobBridge website www.jobbridge.ie

A host organisation participating in JobBridge must be in a position to provide a substantial commitment to their intern so as to ensure the provision of a quality internship. To this end, a clear set of rules have been developed to protect the intern and safeguard JobBridge from potential abuse. Potential host organisations can avail of the JobBridge guidelines and full eligibility criteria available on the JobBridge website. On 15 August 2011, these criteria were amended to include the participation of Sole Traders within the JobBridge scheme provided they have a minimum of 1 full time employee (employed for 30 hours or more per week, subject to tax and PRSI).