Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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736. To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the number of unpaid internships issued and or granted to persons to work in her Department over the past five years to 28 August 2019; the number of persons who took up unpaid internship roles in that timeframe; if her Department continues to offer unpaid internships; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36141/19]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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My Department has welcomed one unpaid Intern, for a period of six weeks, in each of the years 2014 to 2019. The Intern has come from Fordham University, USA, to gain experience and contribute to the work of the Intellectual Property Unit. This arrangement has been beneficial to both organisations.

My Department will continue to offer unpaid internships which we believe are beneficial to both parties.

My Department also facilitates short-term unpaid work experience opportunities for students to develop their skills, subject to business needs.