Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 397: To ask the Minister for Social Protection if she runs a graduate internship programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41369/11]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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JobBridge is a new National Internship Scheme that provides work experience placements for interns for a 6 or 9 month period.

The aim of 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 will also give people a real opportunity to gain valuable experience to bridge the gap between study and the beginning of their working lives.

The Scheme came into operation on 1st July 2011. As of Wednesday, 11th January, a total of 3,916 internships have commenced. The Scheme is targeted at both graduates and non-graduates.

In order to be eligible to participate in JobBridge – the National Internship Scheme an individual must be:

Currently in receipt of a live claim (Jobseekers Allowance/Jobseekers Benefit/Signing for Credits) on the Live Register

And have been in receipt of Jobseekers Benefit, Jobseekers Allowance or signing for Social Insurance Contribution Credits for a total of 3 months (78 days) or more in the last 6 months.