A replacement is being considered for JobBridge, after the Social Development Minister indicated a new more targetted scheme is needed.

Leo Varadkar says the internship programme will be axed as early as September.

The system has been criticised for being used by companies to avoid paying staff normal wages, as it allows interns to work for around 50 euro a week.

Economic consultants will now be brought in to review and recommend changes to the system.

Sinn Fein TD, John Brady is welcoming plans to get rid of the current Job Bridge scheme: