Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 9 Jun 1998

Vol. 492 No. 1

Written Answers. - Summer Jobs Scheme.

Charles Flanagan

Question:

189 Mr. Flanagan asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a number of third level students are ineligible for the summer student job scheme in view of the fact that they have not reached the required age of 18; if, having regard to the fact that they are eligible in all other respects, he will waive the age rule in view of the inconvenience caused; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13521/98]

Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs (Mr. D. Ahern)

The purpose of the student summer jobs scheme 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 on the scheme, students must first establish an underlying entitlement to unemployment assistance. To do so, they must be 18 years or older and satisfy a means test. Accordingly, any student who will not reach the age of 18 years by 31 August this year cannot be admitted to the scheme.

John Perry

Question:

190 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs if he will rescind the decision in relation to the summer jobs scheme made by his Department for a person (details supplied) in County Sligo, in view of the fact that she is a third year teaching student on a four year course and has secured summer employment under this scheme; if he will make a favourable decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13522/98]

Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs (Mr. D. Ahern)

The purpose of the student summer jobs scheme is to provide income support during the summer holidays for the less well-off third level students who are disqualified from receiving unemployment assistance and are unable to obtain summer work. Students who have completed their course of study are not eligible to participate in the scheme as such students are eligible to apply for unemployment assistance.

The person concerned has completed a course of study and is, accordingly, eligible to apply for unemployment assistance.