Olwyn Enright
Question:516 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason the masters in education at NUI Maynooth is excluded from the back to education allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26063/03]
Written Answers. - Back to Education Allowance.
With effect from 1 January 2003 the conditions for entitlement to back to education allowance were revised. From that date the scheme has not applied to most full time postgraduate courses, including those leading to a masters degree. This was because I wished to refocus the scheme towards people who most need additional training or qualifications to gain a foothold in the labour market. In a time of financial constraint, I have to ensure that supports are directed at those with the most pressing needs. In this context, limited resources must continue to be aimed at those in most need and who are most distant from the labour market.
People with a primary degree are already in possession of a third level qualification. Their academic qualifications already impact positively on their employment prospects and it was not appropriate that the back to education scheme be used to facilitate further academic specialisation. However, to facilitate people who wish to pursue a career in teaching, those wishing to take up a higher diploma in all disciplines or graduate diploma in primary school teaching were not affected by these changes. This does not apply to masters in education courses as a masters degree is not a pre-requisite for a career in teaching.