Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

131. To ask the Minister for Social Protection if any exception exists for the JobBridge scheme to allow a sole trader to take on an intern where there is no other full-time member of staff (details supplied); the reason this rule exists; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42670/13]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The company size/employment thresholds which are used for the purpose of determining the maximum number of interns which an organisation may host is set out in the table. The requirement that an organisation must have a minimum of 1 full time employee who is employed for 30 hours or more per week, is on the payroll and subject to PAYE and PRSI, applies to all host organisations. The rationale for this requirement is twofold. First it is designed to limit the potential for internships to displace existing or new paid roles in an organisation. Second the purpose of internships is to offer jobseekers experience of a work environment where they can learn from, and be mentored by, work colleagues. The Department takes the view that a host organisation requires at least one other employee to provide the necessary workplace environment to support mentoring of, and the acquisition of workplace skills by, interns.

Appendix: Employment Size Thresholds for Internships.

* Who is employed for 30 hours or more per week (i.e. on payroll and subject to PAYE and PRSI)