Seamus Kirk
Question:40 Mr. Kirk asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will extend the summer student job scheme to all third level college students; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Students' Summer Jobs Scheme.
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 the local communities.
The 1994 scheme is proving to be even more successful. At the week ending 24 June 1994, over 10,000 jobs have been offered by about 1,900 sponsors who are directly involved in community and voluntary work and over 8,000 claims have already been received from third-level college students. This represents a considerable increase on the number of student claims which had been received at the same point last year and I am confident that additional applications will continue to be submitted in the coming weeks.
Third-level students are not entitled to claim unemployment assistance during their summer holidays. This scheme was introduced for students as an alternative to unemployment assistance and allows them to gain valuable work experience while at the same time making a worthwhile contribution to their local communities. Participation in the scheme is subject to the same means test as applies to those claiming unemployment assistance. The extension of the scheme to all third level students, irrespective of their financial circumstances is not envisaged since it would require significant additional exchequer resources.
Of the first 5,200 students who have so far qualified to participate in the scheme 75 per cent are from families who are working and who are not getting a social welfare payment themselves.