Vol. 521 No. 4
207 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs if he will introduce a scheme whereby recurring drug addicts can take up education courses which might not be eligible for back to education allowance but which would, nevertheless, be of significant rehabilitative benefit. [17094/00]
The back to education allowance is a second chance educational opportunities programme designed to encourage and facilitate unemployed people, lone parents and people with disabilities to improve their skills and qualifications with a view to returning to the workforce.
To qualify for participation an applicant must, inter alia, be attending an approved course of study at a recognised second or third level institution. Courses covered under the back to education allowance scheme range from second level through to third level post-graduate courses of study.
However, in cases where a person's choice of course falls outside the realm of formal second and third level courses for which the back to education allowance is payable, the programme also contains provision to allow unemployed people and other categories attend approved courses of education, training and development. Participants on these courses continue to receive their social welfare payments for the duration of the course. Education and-or training courses which might be of benefit to recurring drug addicts can be considered under this option. Prior to attending such courses participants are required to obtain my Department's approval. Provided that the necessary qualifying conditions are satisfied, I would be generally supportive of any such measures if they enhance or contribute to the employment prospects of the target group.
