Newspaper suspended from intern scheme

The Munster Express received a two-month suspension from the JobBridge scheme following a complaint by an intern.

The Department of Social Protection, which imposed the suspension last October, said future placements at the newspaper would be carefully monitored to ensure it is adhering to the scheme’s terms and conditions.

The department told the company that no new JobBridge placements would be approved for a two-month period to allow the development of appropriate mentoring and support structures.

Martin Malone, 47, from New Ross, Co Wexford, who started an internship with the Munster Express in June last year, claimed he never received any mentoring or training.

At a press conference in Dublin yesterday organised by Socialist Party MEP, Paul Murphy, Mr Malone alleged he had to supply his own equipment and his hours of work exceeded 60 hours a week. He claimed the intern role was for an experienced staff photographer and JobBridge was being used by the firm as substitute labour and was displacing work.

The newspaper denied the allegations, saying that suitable mentoring and advice was provided to Mr Malone “commensurate with our judgement of his abilities”.

It said mentoring and monitoring was provided, but pointed out that Mr Malone was an experienced photographer and was treated accordingly.

The newspaper said Mr Malone’s position was assignment-based and that it that it would take 30 hours a week to cover the tasks undertaken. It also rejected Mr Malone’s claim that the role was for an experienced staff photographer and not suitable for JobBridge and that it was using JobBridge as substitute labour.

However, the department said that, as the newspaper did not employ a photographer on a full-time basis, it was unable to provide the necessary mentoring and support required under the JobBridge scheme.

The department said no future placements as a photographer at the newspaper would be approved.

It said it was concerned that Mr Malone’s experience did not meet the scheme’s objectives.

Mr Murphy said Munster Express was the first to be named as Social Protection Minister, Joan Burton, had allowed the rest to hide.

“There are apparently 35 companies which have been banned so far from JobBridge,” he said.

However, the department said it was not appropriate to published the names as participation in the scheme was voluntary and participants received no payment from the State. Because of the high progression to employment rates under the scheme, it was concerned that nothing should be done that might discourage employers from offering internship opportunities.