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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 10 Apr 2003

Vol. 565 No. 2

Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefits.

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

327 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if summer payments will be returned to a person (details supplied) who is a participant in a back to education programme, as it is most unfair to change the conditions of any programme after the programme has commenced; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10496/03]

The back to education allowance scheme is non-statutory. It is a second chance educational opportunities scheme designed to help the unemployed and other groups to improve their qualifications and to enhance their employment prospects.

A review of the basic purpose underlying my Department's back to education provisions was carried out recently. In light of this, and in view of the expenditure constraints facing us this year, the scheme has been revised.
In framing proposals to change elements of the BTEA scheme my concern was to ensure that resources should be focused where the need is greatest. In line with this payments under the scheme for the summer period have been discontinued. This was done because people who had been previously unemployed often find work opportunities either at home or abroad during the summer months. Participants in the scheme who fail to find employment during the summer may be entitled to an unemployment payment, subject to satisfying the usual qualifying conditions.
The person concerned is in the first year of a four year primary degree and will be on a break during the summer period between academic years. He is not entitled to payment of the allowance for this period.
We have ensured, in a situation where priorities had to be set and choices made, that the position of people in the greatest need of assistance under the scheme has been protected.
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