Séamus Kirk (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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Question 352: To ask the Minister for Social Protection her plans to reduce the qualifying time in the jobbridge scheme from six months to three months in order that industries, including labour intensive areas, may hire additional staff; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31928/12]

Marcella Corcoran Kennedy (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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Question 362: To ask the Minister for Social Protection if a person (details supplied) in County Offaly may apply for an internship on the jobbridge scheme before being three months in receipt of a social welfare payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32006/12]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 352 and 362 together.

The National Internship Scheme (JobBridge) was launched in July 2011 and is open to organisations in the public, private and community and voluntary sectors.

The Scheme provides internship opportunities of either 6 or 9 months for unemployed people of all skills levels. The Scheme aims to assist individuals in breaking the cycle where they are unable to get a job without experience by providing them with an opportunity to gain valuable experience and acquire relevant knowledge and skills in a working environment.

Since the Scheme was launched, nearly 8,200 internship placements have commenced. There are currently 4,899 interns undertaking placements and there are in excess of 2,100 internship posts currently advertised on the JobBridge website - www.jobbridge.ie

Eligibility for the Scheme is currently restricted at those in receipt of Jobseekers Allowance, Jobseekers Benefit, One Parent Family Payment, Disability Allowance or signing for credits for 78 days out of the last 6 months. Time spent on certain Government sponsored training may also be taken into account when calculating eligibility. This is to underline the Department's objective which is to prioritise scarce resources at those in receipt of a live claim or on the Live Register with a view to increasing their chances of accessing employment, training and educational opportunities. The person concerned has been in receipt of Jobseekers Allowance since 26th May 2012. In the circumstances, he will be eligible for a JobBridge placement when he has a claim of 78 days.