Latest: Varadkar 'dragging his heels' replacing JobBridge
Sinn Féin spokesperson for Social Protection John Brady has accused Minister Varadkar of dragging his heels when it comes to replacing JobBridge.
“Sinn Féin welcomes an end to JobBridge just as we welcomed this news back in May when it was first announced," said Deputy Brady.
“Today, five months later, we see another announcement of the end of JobBridge with consultation only now beginning on what will replace it.
“At a recent committee meeting on this very matter Minister Varadkar said that he would ‘have proposals for a replacement scheme for JobBridge in the next few weeks, in October if not in September’.
He added: “Sinn Féin published an alternative to JobBridge months ago. It is a pity that Minister Vardakar did not see fit to move as quickly.
“He is dragging his heels on this issue. We can only hope that we do not have to wait another five months.”
The controversial Jobbridge internship scheme is to close this week to new entrants and be wound down.
Those currently on the scheme - which saw them get paid €52 a week on top of their dole - will be allowed to complete it.
A new scheme that will see participants paid at least the minimum wage and get training as well as work experience is to be introduced next year.
Social Protection Minister Leo Varadkar says jobbridge had served its purpose: "While people who took part in jobbridge rated it very favourably, in 18 of the 20 questions they were asked about jobbridge, one of the two areas where they weren't satisfied with was the level of payment they received. That the additional €50 above the social welfare rate wasn't adequate.
"That is something we are going to pick up on and change in the new scheme."
