The national internship scheme Jobbridge is to end to new applications on Friday and be wound down.

Social Protection minister Leo Varadkar says the scheme has served its purpose since it began in 2011, and was viewed positively by most of those who took part in it.

He says a new scheme involving fewer participants will include training as well as work experience.

Minister Varadkar says it will be developed for next year and will see participants paid at least the minimum wage: