Tommy Broughan (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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208. To ask the Minister for Social Protection the details of a replacement for the JobBridge programme; when he expects the new programme to be launched; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18489/17]

Tommy Broughan (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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209. To ask the Minister for Social Protection the list of persons and or organisations his Department has consulted concerning the development of a replacement for the JobBridge programme in tabular form. [18490/17]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 208 and 209 together.

JobBridge was introduced in July 2011 in response to the sharp and dramatic increase in unemployment. A robust external evaluation of the scheme conducted by Indecon Economic Consultants in 2016 found that it is one of the most effective labour market programmes – increasing participants’ employment outcomes by 32%. It also found that while participants rated the scheme positively on 18 out of 20 aspects measured, most were dissatisfied with the level of payment and a sizable minority rated the scheme negatively on some aspects, for example the quality of training offered. Based on the findings, and taking account of the improvement in labour market conditions, Indecon recommended that JobBridge be discontinued in its current form and replaced with a new scheme. A copy of the full evaluation can be found at: .

The Labour Market Council welcomed the report and noted the positive employment impact of the scheme. A majority of the Council similarly recommended that JobBridge be replaced.

Having considered the evidence and the suggestions put forward by Indecon and the Labour Market Council, I announced the closure of JobBridge to new applications from 27thOctober 2016 and my intention to replace it later this year with a new work experience programme better suited to the much improved labour market and that addresses criticisms of the scheme. I proposed that any new scheme should:

- Be voluntary for both participants and host organisations.

- Offer unemployed people the opportunity to break the cycle of “no work, no experience; no experience, no work”.

- Place greater emphasis on skills development and aim to help participants to develop skills through workplace learning.

I also proposed that all participants should receive a payment equivalent to the net minimum wage and that host organisations should make a contribution towards its cost.

I am very conscious that any new scheme would need the support, trust and confidence of employers, jobseekers and the public. That is why I instructed my officials to consult with key stakeholders on these design principles. Please see below a list of persons and organisations consulted regarding the development of a replacement for JobBridge.

I expect my officials to report back to me on the outcome shortly, and will make an announcement after I have a chance to consider the feedback from the key stakeholders.

Organisations consulted on the development of a new work experience programme: