Brendan Smith
Question:223 Mr. B. Smith asked the Minister for Social Welfare when details of the 1996 students' summer jobs scheme will be made available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5623/96]
Written Answers. - Students' Summer Jobs Scheme.
The students' summer jobs scheme was a major success again last year and proved to be of significant benefit to local communities and voluntary groups. Many valuable projects have been undertaken by students over the past three years which would otherwise not have been carried out and complimentary letters have been received praising both the scheme and the quality of work carried out by the students. A survey of 500 sponsors and 400 students who participated in the 1995 scheme has endorsed the fact that both local communities and the students benefited significantly from the scheme.
Because of the success of the scheme and in recognition of the valuable contribution made by third level students to their communities, I propose to continue with the scheme again this year. A detailed evaluation of last year's scheme has been completed and based on the results of this evaluation, some minor changes will be introduced for this year's scheme. Advertisements will be placed within the next week in the national papers inviting both sponsors and students to apply.