Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Social Protection the progress that has been made to put in place a national graduate and apprentice internship scheme as outlined in the Programme for Government 2011; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55076/12]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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I understand that the Deputy’s question relates to JobBridge the National Internship Scheme and I will respond to it on that basis. The National Internship Scheme was launched on 1^st July 2011. It provides internship opportunities of either 6 or 9 months for unemployed individuals at all skills levels that are in receipt of one of the following claims (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).

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. Furthermore, the Scheme is open to organisations or self-employed individuals in all sectors including private, public, voluntary and community sectors provided they have a minimum of 1 full time employee (employed for 30 hours or more per week, subject to tax and PRSI).

The JobBridge Scheme has made significant progress since it came into operation on the 1^st July 2011. Over 12,800 internships have commenced to date with 5,578 participants currently on an internship as at 6^th December 2012 and over 2,100 internship opportunities presently advertised on . An independent evaluation of the Scheme conducted by Indecon found that 52% of individuals who have participated in JobBridge have progressed into employment on completion of their internship placements. This represents very significant progress and very strong progression rates into employment.

Further information on outcomes will be ascertained as a result of the ongoing formal evaluation of JobBridge. It is anticipated that the final Report will be available in late December. 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, analysis of age categories and further findings concerning progression into employment. 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