Vol. 465 No. 3
206 Mr. Kenneally asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will review the decision to refuse the students' summer jobs scheme to a person (details supplied) in County Waterford in view of the fact that this person will be entitled to sign for unemployment assistance during the summer which means that it would actually cost his Department more to pay him in this way; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9675/96]
207 Mr. Kenneally asked the Minister for Social Welfare his policy in relation to the students' summer jobs scheme in cases where it is more beneficial to the Exchequer to approve people who technically do not qualify if they wish to be so approved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9676/96]
It is proposed to take Questions Nos. 206 and 207 together.
The students' summer jobs scheme has been a major success since it was introduced in 1993. The scheme has grown considerably since then and last year over 15,800 students participated. It has proved to be of significant benefit to local communities and voluntary groups while providing valuable work experience for the students at the same time.
The underlying purpose of the scheme is to provide income support for the less well-of third level students who are disqualified from receiving unemployment assistance and unable to obtain summer work. The scheme was never intended for third level students who are entitled to claim unemployment assistance during the summer if they cannot find work. Therefore, the question of what might or might not be more beneficial to the Exchequer does not arise. To include such students would squeeze out the more needy students.
