Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 March 2013
281. Deputy John Halligan asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of persons who took to JobBridge placements in Waterford city and county since the programme began; the number of those who completed a JobBridge internship in Waterford who went directly into full-time positions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11291/13]
View answerIn Waterford, there have been a total of 522 internships since the scheme came into operation. 206 of those internships are ongoing as at 28 February 2013 with 316 internships completed at this point in time. With regard to progression into employment, the interim evaluation of JobBridge conducted by Indecon International Economic Consultants (published on 5 October, 2012) found that 61% of all JobBridge finishers progressed into employment with either their host organisation or another employer within 5 months of finishing their internship. This suggests JobBridge is an appropriate labour market intervention. Further information on outcomes will be ascertained in the final evaluation report. It is anticipated that this report will be available in the coming weeks.
