Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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123. To ask the Minister for Social Protection the number of participants in the JobBridge scheme who secured employment with the firm or department in which they worked as part of the scheme; the number who were not offered work following the completion of their JobBridge placement; her views on whether the JobBridge scheme is a success; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6191/16]

Kevin Humphreys (Dublin South East, Labour)
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As of 1 April 2016, a total of 42,619 people had completed internships, of which 15,211 progressed immediately into employment on conclusion of the internship. 9,525 entered into employment with the host organisation and 5,686 with a different company. This represents a progression rate, upon conclusion, of 36%.

An independent evaluation conducted by Indecon Economic Consultants (Report 2013) indicated that the progression to employment rate increased 61% within 5 months or more of completion of an internship.

A commitment was given in Pathways to Work 2015 to develop and implement a robust evaluation programme to assess the impact of Pathways to Work initiatives and identify potential areas for future attention. A second independent external evaluation of JobBridge is currently underway. The results of the review will be published later this year and will provide an evidential basis upon which to consider how the scheme might best be improved.