Michael P. Kitt
Question:50 Mr. M. Kitt asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will review the means test for the student summer job scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10136/95]
Written Answers. - Student Summer Jobs Scheme.
Joe Walsh
Question:68 Mr. J. Walsh asked the Minister for Social Welfare the number of applications received and approved under the student summer jobs scheme; and the plans, if any, he has to extend the scheme to include all post-leaving certificates students. [10616/95]
John Browne
Question:74 Mr. Browne (Wexford) asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason students sitting the Leaving Certificate in 1995 do not qualify for the student job summer scheme in spite of the fact that they qualified in 1994; and if he will make a statement on the matter. - [10474/95]
Dermot Ahern
Question:146 Mr. D. Ahern asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will consider widening the criteria for participation in the summer school scheme in order to allow greater numbers to become involved, thus helping to increase the output of voluntary bodies during a time of the year when such bodies are up and running; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10519/95]
Batt O'Keeffe
Question:161 Mr. B. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he intends to change the conditions relating to the employment of third-level students on social welfare schemes during the summer holiday period. [10489/95]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 50, 68, 74, 146 and 161 together.
The response to the summer students jobs scheme from both sponsors and students has been very positive again this year with over 2,884 sponsors offering 20,804 jobs which is a substantial increase on the 11,250 jobs offered last year. A total of 15,789 applications from students have been received to date. This figure has already exceeded the 13,815 received in 1994 despite the fact that the closing date for the receipt of applications is not until 30 June next. At this stage, almost 11,000 students have been issued with job certificates and it is now clear that the number approved this year will be significantly greater than the 11,961 approved last year.
The scheme was introduced in 1993 to provide income support for less well-off students who were unable to get summer jobs and who were debarred from receiving unemployment assistance during their holidays.
This year I introduced a number of significant improvements at an additional cost of £1 million. I widened the criteria for qualification by providing that students with minimal entitlement to unemployment assistance could qualify. Under last year's scheme a student had to have a minimum entitlement to unemployment assistance of £15 a week before being issued with a job certificate. This relaxation, coupled with the recent disregard of covenants, allows a significantly greater number of students to qualify this year.
Furthermore, I have increased the maximum amount payable to £600 in 1995 for a maximum of 200 hours over a six to 16-week period. The hourly rate this year is increased to £3,00 which is not subject to tax or PRSI. Students living at home, whose parents are solely dependent on social welfare payments, for the first time, will this year receive an additional £1.00 per hour worked.
These improvements have resulted in an unprecedented volume of applications from third level students which will be to the benefit of their local communities.
As in 1993 and 1994 the scheme is aimed specifically at third level students and students participating in post-leaving certificate courses. Second level students are precluded and it is not my intention to include them in this year's scheme.