National Internship Scheme Data

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 November 2015

Tuesday, 24 November 2015

Ceisteanna (100)

Clare Daly

Ceist:

100. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the number of positions within the Civil Service that have been filled by persons on the JobBridge scheme, since 2011; if she is concerned that positions in the Civil Service that could be filled by full-time or part-time workers on standard rates of pay, are being displaced through the use of internship schemes such as this scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40618/15]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Social Protection

JobBridge, the National Internship Scheme, was introduced in July 2011 and to date has attracted the participation of 44,388 participants, including 381 in the Civil Service. There are currently 4,865 participants on the programme, of which 10 are in the Civil Service.

The Terms and Conditions of the scheme include a basic requirement that an internship must not under any circumstances be used to displace paid employment. The Department does not tolerate any abuse of the scheme and will investigate any specific allegations brought to its attention.

The Department has commissioned an independent evaluation of the scheme. This will include an assessment of any displacement. The results of the review are expected in early 2016.