Shane Ross (Dublin South, Independent)
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To ask the Minister for Social Protection if she will consider expanding the jobbridge scheme along the lines of the noted German Dual Vocational Training System; her plans for the scheme over the coming year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [56591/12]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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In Germany, the most common kind of vocational training is referred to as the dual system, which consists of practical vocational training given at work in a company or organisation, backed up by theoretical training and general education provided in vocational training schools which are generally attended one or two days a week.

JobBridge, the National Internship Scheme, provides internship opportunities of either 6 or 9 months for unemployed individuals in organisations in the private, public and community voluntary sectors and at present is limited to individuals who are in receipt of certain social welfare payments (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 JobBridge Scheme has made significant progress to-date since it came into operation on the 1^st July 2011. 13,049 internships have commenced to date with 5,612 participants currently on an internship as at 13^th December 2012 and over 2,235 opportunities presently advertised on . The interim evaluation of JobBridge by Indecon the International Economic Consultants (published – 5th October 2012) states that 52.3% of JobBridge finishers progressed into employment with either their host organisation or another employer since finishing their internship. These progression rates compare favourably with European averages in this area.

This suggests JobBridge is an appropriate labour market intervention. 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, amended or expanded; It is at this stage that further consideration will be given to amending the terms and conditions of the Scheme.