Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 25 Nov 1993

Vol. 436 No. 3

Written Answers. - Third Level Allowance Scheme.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

76 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Social Welfare if his attention has been drawn to the fact that community welfare officers are prohibited from granting rent allowances to persons on post graduate courses, such as the Higher Diploma in Education, because these courses are not included in the third level allowance scheme; his views on whether many people who hold primary degrees have to pursue a course such as the Higher Diploma in Education in order to get work, and that these courses are a necessary follow up to the primary degree; and if he will include post graduate courses such as the Higher Diploma in Education in the third level allowance scheme.

Minister for Social Welfare (Dr. Woods)

Supplementary welfare allowance, including rent supplement, as a general rule, is not payable to people in full time education. However, I have introduced a number of "second chance" education schemes on a pilot basis, both at second level and at third level, which give long term unemployed people and lone parents the opportunity to improve their academic qualifications and thereby enhance their prospects of returning to the workforce. Participants in those schemes who are unemployed receive a weekly allowance equivalent to their unemployment payments as well as social welfare secondary benefits, including rent supplements under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme.

I introduced the third level allowance in July 1990 and participation levels have increased every year. More than 500 are expected to participate in the current 1993-94 academic year. The allowance is not available, however, to people pursuing post-graduate studies. In the context of the ongoing review of the schemes I am having the situation of people who require a post-graduate qualification in order to take up employment examined.