Vol. 517 No. 6
85 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs the proposals he has for the summer jobs scheme; the plans he has to review the rate paid in view of the National Minimum Wage Act, 2000; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10523/00]
The students summer jobs scheme will operate this year from 1 June to 30 September during which approved students will be allowed to undertake 200 hours work at £3 per hour, giving a total maximum payment of £600. The scheme was advertised in the national newspapers on 5 April last.
The primary focus of the scheme again this year will be to provide financial help to less well-off third level students who are unable to get full time summer work and who are not entitled to claim unemployment assistance during the summer holiday period.
The work done under the scheme is of a community nature and does not equate with normal commercial type employment. The scheme does not therefore fall within the scope of the national minimum wage legislation.
I do not intend to increase the rate of pay under the scheme. Due to the buoyant economic situation in recent years there are increased opportunities for employment in the open labour market during the summer months and a heavy demand for labour. It is important that students are encouraged to avail of the opportunities which now exist and the need to have recourse to this scheme is reducing. An increase in the rate of pay for the scheme could affect participation by well educated and highly employable students in the open labour market thereby further exacerbating a tightening labour market situation. In current circumstances there is no justification for an increase in the rates of pay under the scheme.
