Skip to main content
Normal View

Employment Support Services

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 October 2012

Tuesday, 9 October 2012

Questions (313)

Patrick O'Donovan

Question:

313. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Social Protection if her attention has been drawn to the fact that schools are receiving requests from third parties asking them not to comply with the jobbridge programme; the action she has taken to address this matter; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42806/12]

View answer

Written answers

The JobBridge Scheme has made significant progress since it came into operation on the 1st July 2011. 10,777 internships have commenced to date with 4,994 participants currently on an internship as at 5th October 2012 and 2,292 opportunities presently advertised on www.jobbridge.ie. It is worth noting that 346 of these placements are in the education sector

Our records indicate that a significant proportion of the participants who have finished their JobBridge internship placement have immediately progressed into employment. These progression rates compare favourably with European averages in this area. Further information on outcomes will be ascertained as a result of the independent evaluation of the Scheme which is currently being undertaken by Indecon

Given the scale of the unemployment crisis, the key objective of Labour Market policy and of the NEAP will be to keep those on the Live Register close to the Labour Market and prevent the drift into long-term unemployment. This will ensure that Live Register members availing of activation measures such as the National Internship Scheme will, while retaining social welfare unemployment payments and a top up allowance of €50 get an opportunity to engage in the workplace.

It is widely accepted that internship opportunities provide a participant with the opportunity to gain valuable experience, relevant knowledge, enhance their skills and learn new ones within a working environment. JobBridge endeavours to provide every single person on an internship placement with a positive experience, building their confidence through work experience thus allowing them access to networking opportunities, a possible career path and enhanced career prospects. Accordingly JobBridge can assist individuals in breaking the unemployment cycle and be in a better position to avail of employment opportunities as the economy improves. It is a matter for each potential Host Organisation to manage and control applications from within their organisation. As a consequence it would therefore not be appropriate for JobBridge to comment on any external directives that may be issued to organisations.

Top
Share