Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 255: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the number of persons who have commenced work under the work placement programme, a breakdown of these figures by graduates and non-graduates and by county; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32216/10]

Seán Haughey (Dublin North Central, Fianna Fail)
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The Work Placement Programme provides up to 9 months work experience to unemployed individuals, including graduates. The Programme is open to all sectors of the economy, including the private and public sectors, as well as the community and voluntary sectors. The programme is voluntary and unpaid, while participants on the programme may be able retain their existing social welfare entitlements for the duration of their placement subject to the rules of the Department of Social Protection.

As of 16th September 1,860 people had commenced a placement under the Work Placement Programme. 918 had taken up graduate placements and 942 commenced non-graduate placements.

The following table provides a breakdown of the figures by graduates and non-graduates as at 16th September.