Paul Connaughton (Galway East, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Social Protection the arrangements that applies in relation to persons working on the jobbridge scheme (details supplied) in County Galway in terms of maternity benefit as confusion appears to reign as to whether it is a matter for jobbridge or her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55851/12]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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The legal status of an intern is provided for in legislation.

An intern is a person who is availing of an internship under the National Internship Scheme. They are not an employee of their respective Host Organisation as stated in Section 16 of the Social Welfare and Pensions Act 2011.

A person who is engaged by another person to carry out work or perform any duty or service pursuant to a placement under the National Internship Scheme shall, for the purposes of any enactment or rule of law (other than the Tax Acts and the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005), be deemed not to be an employee of the other person or to carry out such work or perform such duties pursuant to a contract of service.

If an individual has any queries in respect of their specific entitlements to maternity benefit then they should contact the Maternity Benefits section in respect of same. In respect of this case, I wish to advise the Deputy that I have requested that the Maternity Benefits section to make contact with Ms Brien in respect of her specific entitlements.