Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 20 Jun 2000

Vol. 521 No. 4

Written Answers. - Summer Jobs Scheme.

Dan Neville

Question:

219 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs if he will have examinations made into the situation regarding students who have completed certificates and diplomas and who are returning to college in the autumn and are refused positions under the student summer job scheme; his views on whether this is discriminatory in its approach to students who are in regional technical colleges in comparison to those at university; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17421/00]

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

The purpose of the students summer jobs scheme is to provide income support during the summer holiday period to third level students from less well off families who are disqualified from receiving unemployment assistance.

Students who have completed a course of study are not eligible to participate in the scheme as such students are eligible to apply for unemployment assistance if they are unable to obtain summer work.

Students who have completed certificate and diploma courses and who may be intending to progress to degree courses are entitled to apply for unemployment assistance during the summer period. Therefore, they are outside the current scope of the scheme. I have no plans to extend the scheme to include this category of student.