Jimmy Deenihan
Question:1368 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if a back to education allowance will be approved for a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20482/03]
Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefits.
The back to education allowance is a second chance educational opportunities scheme designed to encourage and facilitate people who have been unemployed for a certain period and others to improve their skills and qualifications and, therefore, their prospects of returning to the active work force.
One of the conditions for receipt of the back to education allowance is that a person must be in receipt of a relevant social welfare payment for at least six months – 156 days – immediately prior to commencing an approved course of study. In the case raised by the Deputy the person concerned will be in receipt of unemployment assistance for only 141 days prior to participation in a third level course and is not, therefore, eligible for the allowance.