Peter Mathews (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Question 330: To ask the Minister for Social Protection her views on a work placement programme (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26991/11]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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The aim of JobBridge, the national internship scheme, is to assist in breaking the cycle where jobseekers are unable to get a job without experience, either as new entrants to the labour market after education or training or as unemployed workers wishing to learn new skills.

The scheme aims to make the experience as close as possible to a working experience for the jobseeker and, as such, contact is between the host organisation and the potential intern. This allows the intern the full experience of preparing a c.v., completing an application form and preparing for and attending at an interview.

The local employment service is well positioned to encourage local employers to identify internships and also to continue to seek placements for jobseekers under the work placement programme.