Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 13 Oct 1993

Vol. 434 No. 5

Written Answers. - Students' Summer Jobs Scheme.

Martin Cullen

Question:

24 Mr. Cullen asked the Minister for Social Welfare if, following the student work scheme for the summer period, he is carrying out an evaluation of the success or otherwise of the scheme; the aims of the scheme; if it achieved those aims; and if he intends to continue the scheme next year.

Pat Cox

Question:

27 Mr. Cox asked the Minister for Social Welfare if, following the student work scheme for the summer period, he is carrying out an evaluation of the success or otherwise of the scheme; the aims of the scheme, if it achieved those aims; and if he intends to continue the scheme next year.

Máirín Quill

Question:

31 Miss Quill asked the Minister for Social Welfare if, following the student work scheme for the summer period, he is carrying out an evaluation of the success or otherwise of the scheme; the aims of the scheme; if it achieved those aims; and if he intends to continue the scheme next year.

Minister for Social Welfare (Dr. Woods)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 24, 27 and 31 together.

The students summer jobs scheme has been a major success. Some 2,100 sponsors joined the scheme offering over 9,000 job opportunities. The majority of these jobs were in the voluntary and community development sectors. Almost 6,000 students were approved to participate in the scheme.

The scheme provided financial assistance to third level students who otherwise would not have been entitled to any payment during the summer holidays. It made additional resources available for the benefit of the local communities. It also provided the students with an opportunity to gain valuable work experience.

The scheme has been a very positive development. It has helped students and the community generally. It is my intention to submit proposals to Government to continue with the scheme again next year. The many positive responses received from both sponsors and students will be taken into account when the plans for next year's scheme are being drawn up.

A full evaluation of the scheme will be carried out shortly when all sponsors have submitted their claims for the recoupment of payments made to students under the scheme.