Support for student summer job scheme

There has been widespread support for the introduction of a Summer Job Scheme for students now left without access to part-time employment amid the Coronavirus crisis.

Then proposal was tabled by Fianna Fáil Councillor John Paul Feeley when he and his fellow elected members met for their recent monthly meeting.

The agenda item stated that Cavan County Council should call on the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection (Regina Doherty), Minister for Community and Rural Affairs (Michael Ring) and Minister for Education and Skills (Joe McHugh) to bring about such a scheme.

If the idea were to be taken up by the Government, it would, Cllr Feeley outlined, mirror that which was run successfully back in the 1990s to remove the eligibility of students for unemployment assistance during the summer months.

The proposed scheme would accommodate those who cannot find a job and have no means to support themselves heading into a fresh term come September.

After the scheme was first introduced in 1993, thousands of young people progressing through third level education had taken part, allowing them to work a maximum of 35 hours a week and a minimum of 16, during at least six weeks between the start of June and end of September.

The type of work offered was considered to be that which would be beneficial to voluntary, community and sporting groups, as well as charitable organisations or public bodies.

The scheme was also open to Irish people studying in Britain returning to Ireland during the summer.

Cllr Feeley told the meeting once of the largest sectors that provided part-time summer work was the hospitality sector, and by virtue of the restrictions brought about by the pandemic, it was also one of those worst affected.

“There is little or no available part-time work,” said Cllr Feeley, before stating that the reintroduction of the Summer Job Scheme would bring about significant benefits to local communities served.

The proposal as put was supported and seconded by fellow party colleague, Clifford Kelly, who described it as an “excellent” suggestion.