James Bannon (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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139. To ask the Minister for Social Protection to set out her plans to review the claim of widespread use of the JobBridge activation measure to fill essential posts in the education system; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38201/14]

Seán Kyne (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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144. To ask the Minister for Social Protection if figures are available on the number of persons progressing from JobBridge into employment; if figures are available on the number of JobBridge places which become full or part-time jobs for the person when the placement concludes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38275/14]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 139 and 144 together.

Internship opportunities are advertised by host organisations, including schools, at their discretion. When advertising internship opportunities host organisations undertake to comply with the stringent criteria that the Department applies for the protection of the intern and the integrity of the JobBridge scheme. In addition to these requirements, host organisations must be mindful of and comply with the requirements within their own Sector or governing authority. The Department has ongoing liaison with the Department of Education and Skills regarding the operation of JobBridge in the Education Sector.

As at 3^rdOctober, 2014, 27,202 internships had been completed, including those who undertook a second or third internship. Independent research shows that circa 60% of interns secure employment within 5 months of completing in internship. The Department does not keep records on which of these went into full time or part-time jobs.