Vol. 460 No. 3
493 Mr. B. Smith asked the Minister for Social Welfare the plans, if any, he has for a summer students job scheme in 1996; whether the scheme will be operated under the guidelines pertaining in previous years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1464/96]
The students summer jobs scheme was a major success last year and proved to be of significant benefit both to local communities and voluntary groups. Valuable projects were undertaken by students which would otherwise not have been carried out. Many complimentary letters have been received praising the scheme and the quality of work carried out by the students. A survey of 500 sponsors and 400 students who participated in the 1995 scheme carried out by my Department has endorsed the view that both local communities and the students benefited from the scheme. Last year some 15,785 students took part in the scheme compared to just 9,400 in 1994. A comprehensive report on the operation of the 1995 scheme is nearing completion in my Department. I will be making an announcement soon about the future of the scheme.
