Michael McCarthy (Cork South West, Labour)
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141. To ask the Minister for Social Protection if an exception may be made to the JobBridge scheme for an extension of an internship in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork in view of the recent announcement that interns can now undertake placements for a duration of 18 months; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40318/13]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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On 18 September, I announced that the maximum cumulative duration of internships would be extended to 18 months. The maximum duration of individual internships will remain 9 months. Individuals will be able to avail of up to 3 internships. However, individuals will be permitted to undertake only one internship with a particular Host Organisation.

These changes reflect both the recommendations contained in the independent evaluation of JobBridge published by the Taoiseach and myself on 1 May 2013, and a significant demand from interns and other individuals made directly to me. This change will be of significant benefit to jobseekers as it will provide jobseekers who may be dissatisfied with their placement more flexibility in finding a suitable alternative placement.

However, those changes have not yet come into force. When they do come into force it will be announced on the Home Page of the JobBridge website . In the meantime, the Department is not in a position to make exceptions to the Scheme criteria currently in force.