Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)

We are constantly reviewing every element of the JobBridge scheme because it is the first time we have had an internship scheme in place. I appreciate the Deputy's concerns. However, there is a requirement to show that such a scheme is taking people from the live register. It has only been in place for ten weeks with 1,100 internships. In several months time we will be in a position to evaluate this scheme and learn from the experiences of those offering places, interns and those who wish to join the scheme but are restricted from doing so.

Suggestions have been made to improve access to the scheme already. I am keeping them under review. If the Deputy has examples of appropriate applicants who could not get on the scheme, she can pass the details on to my Department confidentially and we will review them. The response from potential host organisations and employers has been extremely positive. While there have been teething problems and there is a need to ensure quality placements, the feedback from interns so far has been positive. I will keep the Deputy's suggestions under review.

See this speech in context