Intern scheme no gimmick, say ministers

MINISTERS have denied an initiative to create 5,000 internships is a gimmick — despite admitting they have no idea how many real jobs the scheme may lead to.

Those taking part in the Job Bridge project will be given an extra €50 a week on top of their regular social welfare payments while gaining six to nine-month placements at participating companies.

The scheme has already attracted 1,000 internship offers from 500 companies in the private, public and voluntary sectors.