Students' summer scheme is exploiting our nation's youth
Much to my frustration, this is the third summer in which I have raised the matter, but without a satisfactory response from any quarter. Such inertia within our public policy decision making is wrong; it is a major factor in the growing cynicism people have for the political process and governance of the state. This must change.
I have written to the Minister for Social and Family Affairs requesting an increase in the rate from 3.85 to 5.79 per hour for students who participate in the scheme, to bring it in line with the minimum wage. I
encourage others to do the same. As I have stated on more than one occasion, the scheme gives an excellent opportunity to young people to contribute in a positive way to the life of their community. However, this constructive community service is no longer an attractive option for third level students when they seek summer employment. You simply can’t blame them when they can attain better pay elsewhere.
The onus is on this Government to make the community oriented
summer jobs scheme as economically attractive for young people as other forms of summer employment.
These young people are needed by their depleted communities. Without a community full of vibrant and committed young people, we are deprived of social capital and will end up, in the words of noted US political science Professor Robert Putman, “bowling alone”.
I earnestly ask the Social and Family Affairs Minister, Mary Coughlan, to introduce new legislation in the next Dáil term, so that this scheme will fall within the scope of the national minimum wage.
Sean McKiernan Junior,
Trinity Bungalow,
Virginia Road,
Bailieborough,
Co Cavan.
