Bernard J. Durkan
Question:99 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she will review the qualification conditions for those wishing to return to education; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8587/03]
Written Answers - Employment Support Services.
The back to education allowance is a second chance educational opportunities programme designed to encourage and facilitate certain groups who are receiving social welfare payments to improve their skills and qualifications and, therefore, their prospects of returning to the active work force.
To qualify for participation an applicant must be in receipt of a relevant social welfare payment for at least six months, 156 days; and be at least 23 years of age, 18 years of age for people with disabilities immediately prior to commencing the first year of an approved course of study.
Following a review of the scheme a number of changes have been made this year. Payments under the scheme for the summer period have been discontinued and the scheme will no longer apply to persons undertaking post-graduate courses.
However, I will ask my officials to liaise with the relevant bodies to identify specific post-graduate courses such as the H. Dip – which add significantly to a persons employability and to which the back to education allowance should continue to apply.
I am satisfied that the arrangements now in place will support those whose need for support to accessing education is greatest. I am keeping the scheme under review to ensure that it continues to add the need of those at whom it is directed.
Seymour Crawford
Question:100 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if the information that has been provided in the information booklet, Entitlements for the Over Sixties, is correct under the headings disabled persons grant and essential repairs grant, which states that special grants are available to adapt houses and so on; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8610/03]
The booklet referred to by the Deputy is Entitlements for the Over Sixties which is published by Comhairle, the national information agency coming under the aegis of my Department. The purpose of the booklet is to explain in a clear and simple manner the various cash payments, benefits and services available to people over 60.
The specific items of information in question relate to the disabled person's grant and the essential repairs grant administered by local authorities and governed by the Housing (Disabled Persons and Essential Repairs Grants) Regulations, 1993, S.I. No. 262 of 1993. The information in the booklet was correct at the time the booklet was published in October 2002 and remains so to date.