Question:
71 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs his views on the cutbacks in the students summer jobs scheme for 2001. [10487/01]
Written Answers. - Summer Jobs Scheme.
The students summer jobs scheme will operate this year from 1 June to 30 September, during which time approved students will be allowed undertake 200 hours work at £3 per hour, giving a possible total maximum payment of £600. As usual, the scheme will be advertised shortly in the national and college newspapers. The level of interest in the scheme by students has been declining over the past few years due, no doubt, to the wider availability of summer jobs. The allocation for the scheme for the year 2001 is £3.5 million. This reflects the drop in the anticipated level of appli cations expected from students this year. There has been no cutback in the conditions of the scheme.
I have introduced a number of improvements in the scheme this year. To focus resources on the less well-off students, I have decided that an extra £1 per hour will be paid to those students who parents are solely dependent on social welfare payments. This will enable them to earn an extra £200 if they work the maximum number of hours allowed under the scheme. In addition, approved students who are in receipt of disability allowance or blind person's pension will be eligible to participate in the scheme this year.