Eric J. Byrne
Question:123 Mr. E. Byrne asked the Minister for Social Welfare the number of persons employed under the students job scheme in 1993 and 1994. [1962/94]
Written Answers. - Students Job Scheme.
The students' summer jobs scheme which I introduced for the first time last year proved to be a major success again this year. The students who participated in the scheme are gaining valuable work experience and an income during the summer holidays and their local communities are reaping the benefit of the work which they have carried out. Much of the community work undertaken could not have been done without the benefit of the scheme.
This year 11,960 students received approval to work under the scheme — about double the number approved in 1993. Final figures for the number of students who took part this year are not yet available as claims from sponsors are still being received. However, it is estimated that 9,000 of the students who received approval worked this year compared to a figure of 4,000 for 1993. Indications are that most of the remaining approved students availed of other work opportunities. Some 2,325 sponsors offered a total of 11,249 job opportunities this year compared with 9,083 in 1993.