Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 22 Oct 2002

Vol. 555 No. 5

Written Answers. - Summer Jobs Scheme.

Michael Ring

Question:

403 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs his plans to address the anomaly which prevents students who study for a degree over four years, by first gaining the certificate and diploma qualifications, from getting the student summer jobs scheme. [18896/02]

Michael Ring

Question:

404 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will amend the student summer jobs scheme to allow all students who intend to continue their studies in the autumn to participate in the scheme, regardless of whether they have just completed one course of study; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18902/02]

Minister of State at the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs (Mr. N. Ahern)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 403 and 404 together.

The purpose of the students summer jobs scheme is to provide income support to third level students from less well-off families who are disqualified from receiving unemployment assistance during the summer months by virtue of social welfare legislation. Students who have finished a certificate or diploma course are, under social welfare legislation, no longer attending a course of study and are thus eligible to apply for unemployment assistance during the summer if they cannot obtain employment. Such students are not eligible to participate in the students summer job scheme. There are no plans to extend the scheme to include this category of student.