Vol. 443 No. 7
34 Ms O'Donnell asked the Minister for Social Welfare the number of specific jobs available to students this summer who would normally have been entitled to unemployment assistance; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The students summer jobs scheme which I introduced for the first time last year proved to be a major success. The scheme was a very positive development, of benefit to both students and to local communities.
As of week ended 10 June 1994 9,400 jobs have been offered by 1,714 sponsors directly involved in community and voluntary work. A booklet containing details of these jobs will be sent to each eligible student. I am confident that the number of jobs being offered will continue to rise with eventually over 10,000 jobs becoming available. At this stage over 5,100 student applications have been received in respect of these jobs. Applications are expected to continue to come forward in the coming weeks.
I have introduced a number of important improvements to this year's scheme. These include:
—a longer operating period from 1 June to 30 September;
—the number of hours has been increased from 160 to 192 for students;
—the potential earnings for students have been increased from £400 to £540.
The new arrangements give a considerable degree of flexibility as to how the work is allocated within a project. Sponsors and students can arrange, where necessary, to complete their projects over a period from six to 12 weeks. In addition the facility for interim payments to help voluntary and community groups overcome any short term cash flow problems will continue this year.
I have also made arrangements to have the appropriate insurance to cover employers and public liability put into place in respect of any students taking up work under the scheme.
I have no doubt but that the introduction of this scheme has enabled the participation of students in every worthwhile work in the community and voluntary sectors. The scheme has enormous value for the students, the sponsors and the communities in which they live.
