Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Fine Gael)
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Question 122: To ask the Minister for Social Protection the details on the recent announcement to expand the jobbridge scheme by 1,000 places; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24450/12]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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The National Internship Scheme was launched on 1 July 2011. It provides internship opportunities of either 6 or 9 months for unemployed individuals on the Live Register, at all skills levels. The aim of JobBridge is to assist individuals in breaking the cycle where they are unable to get a job without experience. It provides them with an opportunity to gain valuable experience, relevant knowledge and skills within a working environment. The Scheme is open to organisations in the private, public and community or voluntary sectors.

The Scheme has made significant progress to-date. 7,102 internship placements have commenced since the launch of the Scheme in July 2011. There are currently 4,722 interns undertaking internship placements. In addition, there are in excess of 1,800 internship posts currently advertised on the JobBridge website www.jobbridge.ie Such has been the level of demand for the scheme, I am delighted to have announced proposals, on 9 May, to increase the number of places available in JobBridge and to widen the eligibility criteria. The number of available places has been increased to 6,000 with immediate effect. The eligibility criteria will also be extended to include those in receipt of One Parent Family Payment and Disability Allowance. These changes will take effect from 28 May 2012.

JobBridge was one of the pillars of the Government's first Jobs Initiative and it set out to help those seeking employment to gain valuable experience while enhancing their prospects of securing employment. It is one element of the Department of Social Protection's wider activation programme and a good example of how we engage with Jobseekers.