Vol. 537 No. 2
307 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs the views of his Department on the rate of pay for the students jobs scheme where students are being paid only £3 per hour whereas the minimum wage is £4.50p per hour; the steps he will take to have this matter rectified; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15821/01]
The students summer jobs scheme will operate this year from 1 June to 30 September, during which time approved students will be allowed to undertake 200 hours work in community based projects at £3 per hour, giving a possible total maximum payment of £600.
The scheme is targeted at students from low income families who are participating in third level courses and who, under existing legislation, cannot apply for unemployment assistance during the summer months.
This year, to give extra help to less well off students, I have decided that an additional £1 per hour will be paid to students whose parents are solely dependent on social welfare payments. This will allow them to earn an extra £200 if they work the maximum number of hours allowed under the scheme giving them a total maximum tax free payment of £800.
In addition, and in recognition of the special difficulties such students may experience when looking for summer work, I have decided that approved students who are in receipt of disability allowance or blind persons pension will be eligible to participate in the scheme this year.
It would be inadvisable to increase the overall payment or to do this in a tightening labour market situation given the demand for student participation in the mainstream job market during the busy summer period, particularly in the hotel and tourism industries. The scheme does not fall within the scope of the national minimum wage legislation and, therefore, the minimum wage provisions do not apply.
