Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 May 2017
260. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of nationally accredited internships in 2015 and 2016 and to date in 2017, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22864/17]
View answerThe only internship programme that my Department has responsibility for is JobBridge. It was introduced to offer jobseekers a wide variety of work experience opportunities, so JobBridge placements are not formally accredited. The number of people who commenced a JobBridge placement in 2015 and 2016 is listed in Table 1. JobBridge closed to new entrants in October 2016, so there were no new entrants in 2017. Over 700 participants remain on the scheme.
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: www.welfare.ie/en/Pages/JobBridge-Evaluation.aspx.
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 27 October 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 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 before making a final decision on any potential replacement scheme. That process has recently concluded and I will make an announcement after I have a chance to consider the feedback.
Table 1
|
Year |
Number of JobBridge starts |
|
2015 |
8708 |
|
2016 |
4167 |
|
2017 |
N/A |
