Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)

I agree with the Minister of State that it is not just a matter of placements; there must also be a qualitative approach. In many instances people who take up internships will bring new thinking and expertise to many public and private sector organisations which might not have had new entrants to the profession or workplace in recent times. They can bring new skills, expertise and thinking to the workplace. Will the Minister of State assure me that every public body, both central government, local government and statutory agency, with the private sector which also has a responsibility, will do its utmost to ensure as many internships as possible will be available as quickly as possible? My experience is that, unfortunately, these things move too slowly.

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