Daly calls for return of summer jobs scheme for students

Fine Gael Kildare South General Election candidate, Cllr Richard Daly, has criticised Community Affairs Minister Éamon Ó Cuív for his decision to rule out a summer jobs scheme for students.

“Fine Gael raised the matter with the Minister because many third level students are finding it impossible to secure summer jobs due to the extremely competitive lower end of the labour market.

“The Minister replied that: ‘This scheme was discontinued in 2003. In view of the fact that third level students have had the benefit of a good secondary education and are by definition in the fortunate position to be in third level education, it was felt they should have enough education to enable them to access employment during holiday periods.’”

Cllr Daly said: “I certainly know there will be lots of students and parents who will be dismayed and disappointed by Minister Ó Cuív's attitude. Last summer I was contacted by numerous parents and students complaining that the traditional supply of summer jobs had dried up.

“For years the Summer Jobs Scheme gave valuable employment to thousands of students throughout the country during their summer holiday break. Many of the jobs in question involved working for local community organisations such as sporting and social clubs, which was of enormous benefit to both the clubs and the students.

“The Minister's argument that students should have enough education to enable them to access employment during holiday periods is disingenuous. I am not satisfied with the Minister's reply. Fine Gael will be taking the matter up with the Union of Students in Ireland to see if they can join in a campaign to put more pressure on the Minister and the Government, particularly in the run-up to the forthcoming Election.”