Vol. 517 No. 1
165 Mr. Haughey asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs the plans, if any, he has to increase the wage for the student summer jobs scheme in line with the national minimum wage; if he will abolish the means test for this scheme; if he will ensure that there are over 200 hours of work available under this scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9270/00]
The students summer jobs scheme will operate this year from 1 June to 30 September during which approved students will be allowed undertake 200 hours work at £3 per hour, giving a possible total maximum payment of £600. The scheme will be advertised shortly in the national newspapers.
The scheme does not fall within the scope of the national minimum wage legislation and therefore the minimum wage will not apply.
I do not intend to increase the rate of pay or the number of hours which can be worked under the scheme this year. An increase in the rate of pay or the number of hours could encourage well educated and highly employable students to leave the mainstream labour supply. It would be inadvisable to do this in a tightening labour market situation even for short periods.
The aim of the students summer jobs scheme is to provide financial help to less well-off students who are unable to get summer work and who are not entitled to claim unemployment assistance during the summer holiday period. The abolition of the means test would change the whole nature of the scheme and would impact on the resources available to help those students who need it most.
