Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 25 Mar 2003

Vol. 563 No. 4

Written Answers - Social Welfare Benefits.

Joe Costello

Question:

620 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will clarify the back to education allowance; if students can continue to study after a primary third level degree; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7813/03]

Minister for Social and Family Affairs (Mary Coughlan)

The back to education allowance scheme is a second chance opportunity for people to improve their education and to enhance their opportunities to access the labour market. It was decided that the back to education allowance scheme should be re-focused towards people most at risk and who most need additional training or qualifications in order to gain a foothold in the labour market.

On the basis that claimants in possession of a third level qualification have already achieved a good level of academic attainment, which should impact positively on their employment prospects, I decided that the focus of the scheme should be on persons in pursuit of courses to primary degree level. Giving further support to people to gain postgraduate qualifications is not appropriate and that resources should be directed to those with more pressing needs. Accordingly, from 1 January 2003 students wishing to pursue a postgraduate course of study are no longer eligible for the back to education allowance. Students already pursuing a postgraduate course will not be affected by the change to the scheme.