Jim O'Keeffe
Question:373 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs if he will give details of the means test applicable to the student summer jobs scheme. [12193/98]
Written Answers. - Summer Jobs Scheme.
The purpose of the students summer jobs scheme, which was first introduced in 1993, is to provide income support during the summer holiday period for the less well off third level students who are disqualified from receiving unemployment assistance and are unable to obtain summer work.
To qualify for participation in the scheme, students must satisfy a means test which is broadly similar to that currently applying to applicants for unemployment assistance. In assessing means, account is taken of the parent's gross income less income tax, PRSI, superannuation, private health insurance, union fees, rent or mortgage payments and some travel costs. Those who establish a minimum entitlement to unemployment assistance are approved for the purposes of the scheme and are issued with the relevant job certificate. I should mention that students in receipt of higher education maintenance grants or whose parent's sole source of income is a social welfare payment will automatically qualify under the scheme.