John O'Mahony (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 62: To ask the Minister for Social Protection following the announcement of the Jobs Initiative, when will information be made available on training places and internships; where this information can be obtained from; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12182/11]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The National Internship Scheme is a key part of the Government's Jobs Initiative. It will provide up to 5,000 unemployed people with an internship opportunity ranging from 6 to 9 months in an organisation in the private, public or community and voluntary sectors. During this time, participants will receive an allowance, which will consist of a €50 per week top up on their existing social welfare entitlements.

The Internship scheme will assist in breaking that cycle whereby unemployed people cannot get a job without experience, either as new entrants to the labour market after education or training or as unemployed workers whose existing skills will not be appropriate to the types of jobs that will emerge in post- recession Ireland. The scheme will give young people a real opportunity to gain valuable experience to bridge the gap between study and the beginning of their working lives.

Work is being finalised on the development of the National Internship Scheme so that it will be ready for launch by the beginning of July. The Scheme will have its own website which will facilitate organisations applying online when they have internships to offer. A website will be available shortly on which potential host organisations and potential interns can learn more about the Scheme and can also register expressions of interest.

The availability of information in relation to the training places announced in the Jobs Initiative is a matter for the Minister for Education and Skills.