Vol. 569 No. 3
418 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the response from the area partnerships in relation to helping students from disadvantaged areas in finding temporary summer employment; the way in which they have helped students in disadvantaged areas; and the progress which has been made in helping to get jobs for them. [17693/03]
As I have outlined to the House on a number of occasions, a significant decline of interest in the student's summer jobs scheme has been observed over recent years. In light of this, and the availability of alternative better-paid summer employment for students, it was decided to discontinue the scheme.
A replacement scheme is not proposed. Rather, I anticipate that partnerships and community groups throughout the country should offer practical assistance and support to students in finding temporary summer employment in the labour market. The Deputy will appreciate that many third level students have only recently completed the academic year, and consequently, it is too early to evaluate progress.
419 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the reason the summer jobs scheme for students was abolished; the number of students that took up such positions in the past year the scheme operated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17694/03]
The students summer jobs scheme was first introduced in 1993 to provide income support for less well off students who were disqualified under social welfare legislation from receiving unemployment assistance during the summer months. The scheme allowed students to take up part-time work useful to their community and to receive payment for this work.
When the scheme was introduced unemployment levels in Ireland were among the highest in the EU and students found it difficult during the holiday period to obtain work. In the past five years, however, the take up has dropped significantly, from 13,500 in 1998 to 4,600 in 2002. This decline reflects the greater and wider availability of alternative and well paid summer jobs in recent years. Against this background, it was decided to discontinue the students summer job scheme in 2003.
A replacement scheme for the student summer job scheme is not proposed. However, I have asked the area partnerships to consider how best they can offer practical assistance and support to students from disadvantaged areas in finding temporary summer employment in the labour market. My Department is in contact with the partnerships and is keeping the matter under review.
