Written answers

Tuesday, 24 May 2016

Department of Social Protection

National Internship Scheme Eligibility

Photo of John BradyJohn Brady (Wicklow, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

337. To ask the Minister for Social Protection if the position of first whipper in of an association (details supplied) is suitable as an internship for JobBridge. [11825/16]

Photo of Leo VaradkarLeo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Department does not comment on individual host organisations or internships.

The purpose of the JobBridge scheme is to assist unemployed people to improve their employment prospects by providing them with the opportunity to develop skills and gain some experience in a working environment– in essence to break the cycle of “ no experience, no work; no work, no experience.

The position of ‘Whipper In’ with a Hunt requires the development over time of an ability to manage a large kennel of dogs including elements of animal husbandry and training. It is a legitimate job in the country sports sector and there are a number of full time paid positions of ‘whipper in’ with hunts all over the country. Accordingly the position advertised is legitimate insofar as it will provide any participant with an opportunity to develop experience in a role that provides paid employment potential.

I acknowledge that some people object to the hunt sports sector the grounds of animal rights. Animal welfare objections are also raised from time to time with respect to the meat or fishing industry. Similar ‘moral value’ objections are also raised in the case of other sectors including gambling. The Department does not act as an arbiter in such matters. Its role is to determine whether proposed internships fully comply with all of the basic conditions of the JobBridge scheme.

As long as the occupation is valid, the activity is not illegal and the internship offered complies with the general terms and conditions of the JobBridge scheme the Department cannot preclude it from availing of the JobBridge Scheme.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.