Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 April 2012
661 Deputy Willie O’Dea asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the State agencies under his remit that have an internship scheme in place for young graduates; the number of places available; the take-up of these schemes to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20488/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraOf the 12 State Bodies that fall under my Department's remit, 4 have an internship scheme in place for young graduates.
The Marine Institute Stagiaire programme for graduates was introduced in 2007 with the aim of developing the skills and employability of recent graduates and offering a 50 week placement targeted specifically at those who have graduated within the previous two years.
Since the programme commenced the Marine Institute has offered a total of 64 graduate placements; 52 of these have completed their Stagiaire Programme and there are currently 12 Stagiaires with the Marine Institute.
Of the 52 Stagiaires who have completed the Graduate Programme, 37 immediately secured employment in the public or private sector and 12 secured a place to further their education with an MSc or PhD; and two of the remaining 3 went travelling.
Bord Iascaigh Mhara have a Seafood Graduate Development Scheme with the objective of supporting the development of the sector through the recruitment and deployment of specialised graduates with business development and food technology skills to work through the Seafood Development Committee on seafood company projects. In tandem with practical project work with seafood companies, graduates will be provided with formal training in seafood technology, business development and innovation (up to certificate or diploma level). During 2010/2011, four graduates have come through the scheme to date and the graduates are highly sought after and filling the demand in industry for trained skilled seafood opportunities.
Coillte provides a small number of placements under the FÁS/JobBridge Programme (Internship Scheme for Graduates and are also in discussions with Waterford IT in connection with a number of ‘work experience placements’ for forestry students. There are currently 3 places on this programme with 1 in situ and a further 2 being sought. 2 people, previously in internships under this scheme, are currently working in Coillte under fixed term contracts.
Teagasc provides work placements for graduates under the FAS Work Placement Programme. 21 graduates have been placed and another 4 applications are currently being processed.
