Tánaiste and Social Protection Minister Joan Burton has launched two new schemes aimed at 18-25 year olds. First Steps (a programme similar to JobBridge) starts in April and is designed to provide six or nine months' work experience to unemployed youth in that age group.

The standard JobBridge internship fee of €50 will be payable weekly under First Steps. The second scheme JobsPlus Youth (live since earlier this month) will discount an employer's wage bill when they hire a young person directly from the live register.

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