Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 26 January 2012
20 Deputy Derek Keating asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of persons who have taken up the internship programme that she introduced late last year; her views on the matter; if there is a need for a review and if it should be extended; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4330/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraJobBridge, the National Internship Scheme, came into operation on 1st July 2011. As of 19th January, a total of 4,138 internships have commenced. My Department has invited tenders for consultancy for the evaluation of JobBridge, the National Internship Scheme for the Department. Progression rates from JobBridge into employment will feature as part of this evaluation. My Department requires this Project to be undertaken to assess the design, delivery and impact of the JobBridge scheme on the unemployed. It should also assist the Department in making further policy decisions on the benefit of work placement programmes in the overall context of the Government's activation policy which is to engage with every unemployed individual to provide them with a pathway to employment and to prevent and reduce long term unemployment.
