Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 665: To ask the Minister for Defence if he runs a graduate internship programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41360/11]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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The Croke Park Agreement provides that there will be full support in the Civil Service and State Agencies with programmes and initiatives to support and assist individuals who find themselves unemployed. The key mechanisms put in place to do this are the FÁS Work Placement Programme (WPP) and the National Internship Scheme. The Department of Defence and the Defence Forces are committed to playing a full role in helping to meet the targets set under both the FÁS WPP and the National Internship Scheme. In this regard a joint civilian/military working group has been established to identify and prioritise work placement opportunities within the Defence Forces which are deemed suitable for the intake of persons from either of the programmes. The military authorities have identified some fifty (50) initial opportunities for work placements/internships.

The joint working group has compiled job specifications from the relevant military directorates in respect of possible placement opportunities and consultation has taken place with the Representative Associations in this regard. The placement opportunities already identified have been advertised on the FAS website and interest has been expressed from jobseekers in a number of the advertised positions. The Working Group will proceed to identify further posts for placement/internship during 2012.

Work placement opportunities have also being identified on the civil side of the Department of Defence. A number of placement opportunities were advertised by the Department under the FÁS Work Placement Programme during 2011. Unfortunately, no suitable applicants were identified for the placements advertised. The Department is currently progressing opportunities under the National Internship Programme.