Vol. 518 No. 6
419 Mr. G. Reynolds asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs if he will increase the number of students who participate on the summer jobs scheme receive per hour from £3 to £4.40 in view of the introduction of the minimum wage. [12554/00]
The students summer jobs scheme will operate this year from 1 June to 30 September during which approved students will be allowed undertake 200 hours work at £3 per hour, giving a possible total maximum payment of £600. The scheme does not fall within the scope of the national minimum wage legislation and, therefore, the minimum wage will not apply.
420 Mrs. T. Ahearn asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs the reason persons (details supplied) in County Tipperary were unsuccessful with their applications for the student summer jobs scheme; the proposals, if any, planned to give a fair chance to students who are prepared to join the scheme in view of the shortage of take-up in the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12556/00]
421 Mrs. T. Ahearn asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs the proposals, if any, he has to remove the income limit for students who wish to participate in the student summer jobs scheme, the eligibility criteria for the scheme; the number who participated in the scheme and the number of unsuccessful applicants in each of the years from 1997 to 1999; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12557/00]
422 Mrs. T. Ahearn asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs if a sufficient number of students applied for the summer jobs scheme to fulfil the requirements of the scheme in each of the years from 1997 to 1999; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12558/00]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 420 to 422 inclusive, together.
The primary purpose of the students summer jobs scheme since its inception in 1993 has been to provide useful work experience and income support for less well off third level students who do not have access to unemployment payments during the summer. Its main focus is on providing students with an income and the scheme was not designed to fill all the community based jobs offered by sponsors.
While the level of projects offered has remained high over the past number of years there has been a significant decline in the number of students taking part. This is due to the growth in availability of well paid summer jobs in the private sector and is a welcome trend. To qualify for participation on the scheme students must first establish an underlying entitlement to unemployment assistance by satisfying a means test. I do not propose to alter this requirement. To do so would change the whole nature of the scheme and would impact on the resources available to help those students who need it most.
