Vol. 513 No. 2
48 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs the number of applications for the back to education allowance made in County Donegal since September 1998; the number which were unsuccessful; the reason in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1863/00]
The number of applications for participation in the back to education allowance scheme, third level option, made in County Donegal since 1 September 1998 was 399 of which 320 were approved for participation in a wide range of third level courses. There are 289 participants currently in payment. Thirty one applicants who were originally approved left their course of study for various reasons and are no longer participating in the scheme.
The number of cases refused participation in this strand of the scheme since that date is 79. The reasons for refusal in these cases were as follows: six were not in receipt of a relevant social welfare payment prior to commencing an approved course; 20 were not in receipt of a relevant payment for at least six months, 156 days, prior to commencing an approved course; nine did not satisfy the age condition prior to commencing an approved course; 13 were not commencing the first year of their course; 15 were attending courses not recognised for the purposes of the scheme; and 16 failed to satisfy two or more of the qualifying conditions.
In addition, there are currently 31 participants in County Donegal availing of the back to education allowance – second level option. There are no details available of applicants who may have been refused participation in this strand of the scheme.
