Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 14 Nov 1995

Vol. 458 No. 2

Written Answers. - Students' Summer Job Scheme.

Michael Ferris

Question:

35 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Social Welfare if his attention has been drawn to the hardship caused to a family (details supplied) in County Tipperary arising from the refusal to pay the additional £1 per hour on the students' summer jobs scheme in view of the fact that the family income is means tested and equal to a sole Department of Social Welfare payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16467/95]

Minister for Social Welfare (Proinsias De Rossa)

The response to the student's summer jobs scheme has again been very positive this year and it is estimated at this stage that about 15,700 students worked under the scheme.

One of the improvements I introduced to this year's scheme is that students whose parents are totally dependent on social welfare payments are entitled to receive an additional bonus payment of £1 per hour worked. The purpose of this was to give additional income support under the scheme to the most disadvantaged families and the criterion selected was families who are totally dependent on social welfare payments. Persons in this category would in general have no other or minimal means. About 3,300 students are entitled to and have received this payment. Self-employed persons in receipt of a reduced rate of unemployment assistance cannot be considered to be totally dependent on social welfare payments as they have an income from their self employment. Students of such persons are not therefore entitled to the special bonus payment.

As the father of the person concerned is self employed and has additional income as a shoe repairer, he cannot be regarded as totally dependent on social welfare payments. His weekly means have been assessed at £60 net taking account of disregards for expenditure incurred in the operation of the business. His daughter therefore does not qualify for this special allowance.