Tommy Broughan (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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352. To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation her plans to introduce legislation to protect the rights of those participating on internship and work experience programmes from exploitation and abuse; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18500/17]

Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael)
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Internees and people on work experience are covered by the Health Safety and Welfare Acts 2005 - 2014 which provides for safe working conditions as well as  the Employment Equality Acts 1998 -2015 (anti-discrimination and anti-harassment legislation).  Depending on the particulars of the individual arrangement, they also may have entitlements to other protections under employment law, including the National Minimum Wage.

Any persons with questions or complaints regarding their rights under employment law should contact Workplace Relations Customer Service on lo-call 1890 80 80 90 or  information can be found on their website www.workplacerelations.ie

The JobBridge scheme was a national internship scheme administered by the Department of Social Protection.  Following a comprehensive review of the Jobsbridge scheme my colleague and Minister for Social Protection, Mr. Leo Varadkar T.D., announced in October 2016 that he intends to replace JobBridge with a more targeted scheme. This is because labour market conditions have improved since the scheme was introduced in 2011. The programme was closed to new applications in October last and will be wound down. Those currently on the programme will be able to complete their JobBridge experience. The Department of Social Protection monitor organisations who host JobBridge interns to ensure that they receive adequate rest breaks, annual leave etc.