John O'Mahony (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Social Protection the reason a person (details supplied) in County Mayo is precluded from getting on jobbridge; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47654/12]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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The National Internship Scheme, JobBridge, was launched on 1^st July 2011. It provides internship opportunities of either 6 or 9 months for unemployed individuals 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 JobBridge Scheme has made significant progress to-date since it came into operation on the 1^st July 2011. 11,671 internships have commenced to date with 5,262 participants currently on an internship as at 1^st November 2012 and 1,879 opportunities presently advertised on .

In response to the specific matter raised by the Deputy, I wish to advise that an individual cannot apply for an internship with an organisation that they have an existing employment relationship with e.g. working part-time. However, the terms and conditions of the Scheme currently provide that an individual may partake in an internship with an organisation that they had a previous employment relationship with subject to all other eligibility criteria being met. I am delighted to further advise the Deputy that there is no ‘one day’ condition or rule preventing participation on JobBridge. The Department will endeavour to contact the person concerned in this instance to clarify the matter. In the meantime if you have any further queries in this regard, please contact the JobBridge unit at and the staff there will assist further if required.