Dominic Hannigan (Meath East, Labour)
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Question 571: To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs her plans to recruit graduates into her Department this year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24931/12]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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My Department is participating in the JobBridge National Internship Scheme which 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 also gives people a real opportunity to gain valuable experience to bridge the gap between study and the beginning of their working lives.

The experience of being involved with the National Internship Scheme has been very positive to date and officials of my Department are currently considering what areas of work would be suitable for further internships under the Scheme during 2012.