Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 April 2009
270 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she will publish the list of third level and other courses that are open to back to education allowance claimants; the changes that have occurred in recent months; and the reason the full list is not yet published on her Department’s website. [14760/09]
View answerUnder the back to education scheme there are two study options; second level option (SLO) and third level option (TLO). The scheme is not operated on the basis of a prescribed list of courses.
Under the second level option, a person may attend a second level course of education at any publicly funded Community Comprehensive, Secondary, Vocational School or Institute of Technology. The course being pursued must be a full-time course of study and must lead to a qualification that is recognised by the Department of Education and Science and awarded by FETAC or BTEC.
Under the third level option, the course being pursued must be a full-time day course of study which is approved by the Department of Education and Science for the Higher Education Grant Scheme, the Vocational Education Committee's Scholarship scheme or the Third Level Maintenance Grant scheme for Trainees or has HETAC recognition.
In response to the rise in unemployment, additional capacity in some Institutes of Technology was identified where it was possible to offer accelerated full-time courses in a number of disciplines, commencing in March 2009. The courses are generally 15 weeks in duration and successful students will be allowed progress to year two of the relevant Higher Certificate in September 2009. The courses are generally at HETAC Level 6 under the National Framework of Qualifications. The back to education scheme is available to qualified persons who wish to pursue these courses.
