Written answers

Wednesday, 19 September 2012

Department of Social Protection

National Internship Scheme Administration

Photo of Brendan GriffinBrendan Griffin (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Social Protection her future plans for the jobbridge programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39562/12]

Photo of Joan BurtonJoan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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The National Internship Scheme provides internship opportunities of either 6 or 9 months for unemployed individuals in receipt of a Live Claim, in organizations in the private, public, community and voluntary sectors; at present it is limited to individuals who are in receipt of a Live Claim (Jobseekers Allowance/Jobseekers Benefit/One Parent Family Payment/Disability Allowance) or are signing on for credits for at least 3 of the last 6 months (78 Days).


JobBridge, the National Internship Scheme came into operation on 1July 2011. A total of10,108 internships have commenced to date with 4,798 participants currently on an internship as at 13September 2012 and over 2,056 opportunities presently advertised on . Our records indicate that almost 38% of individuals who have participated in JobBridge have progressed into employment immediately on completion of their internship placements. This represents very significant progress in a short period of time as well as comparing very favourably with European averages. However it is important to note that this does not take into account of interns who may have secured employment in the subsequent weeks or months after completing their internship. Further information on outcomes will be ascertained as a result of the forthcoming formal evaluation of JobBridge


This independent evaluation of the Scheme is being undertaken at the moment by Indecon International Economic Consultants. This evaluation will assess the design, delivery and impact of the JobBridge Scheme, it will provide details of the nature of the work experience of the participants; a measurement of the relevance of that experience to the labour market and progression into employment. The report to be published later this year it will also present recommendations on how the Scheme might be improved. It is at this stage that further consideration will be given to amending the terms and conditions of the scheme.

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