Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 26 Jun 2003

Vol. 569 No. 5

Written Answers. - Back to Education Scheme.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

16 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if her attention has been drawn to the major hardship for many that has resulted from the changes in the back to education scheme notified to participants in March 2003 and in particular for those who had previously made summer arrangements to advance their academic development as in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if she will make arrangements to ensure payment in such cases. [17916/03]

Minister for Social and Family Affairs (Mary Coughlan)

The back to education allowance is a second chance education 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 last year. 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 for BTEA participants who were in receipt of an unemployment payment as many students traditionally find seasonal work 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. All other participants on the scheme – lone parents and people with disabilities – remain unaffected by this decision and will retain payment during the summer period. Furthermore, BTEA participants who, as an integral part of their course of study have to undertake a period of work experience, placement or research during the summer months will continue to be paid the allowance for this period.

With regard to the individual case raised by the Deputy, the person concerned is, on a voluntary basis, travelling abroad for the summer months. There is no evidence that the travel is an integral part of his course and consequently, the allowance is not payable for this period.

I am satisfied that the arrangements now in place will ensure that the back to education scheme continues to provide support to those people who are most distant from the labour market and I have no plans to alter these arrangements.