The decision by the Government to pay third-level students below the minimum wage for work on its summer jobs scheme has been strongly criticised by the Union of Students in Ireland (USI).
Under the scheme, students who undertake work in their community will be paid £3 an hour. However, USI said the Department of Social, Community and Family Affairs should pay the minimum rate of £4.40 an hour.
The union claimed the decision was a clear breach of minimum-wage regulations. The USI president, Mr Julian de Spainn, said: "Students are not some kind of slave labour force outside the provisions of employment law. As citizens of the State they are entitled to the same minimum rights as every other citizen".
The scheme allows all third-level students and post-Leaving Cert students to do part-time employment "useful to the community". To qualify they need to be sponsored by a community group, a voluntary organisation or a public body registered with the Department.
Students can work for up to 200 hours over a six- to 17-week period. The maximum hours worked per week cannot exceed 35. The work cannot be used as an extra job or replace existing employment. It cannot be "commercially orientated" and must be "beneficial to both the community and the student".
Mr de Spainn said the decision not to pay the minimum wage gave an insight into the Government's attitude towards community work. "Everything from local sporting and cultural organisations to special needs and senior citizen projects are assisted by the scheme. This is valuable work, and that should be recognised. The decision devalues the important community work undertaken by students every summer," he said.