Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 January 2014
344. Deputy Joe Higgins asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will extend the back to education allowance scheme to those students undertaking the professional masters in education programme in Dublin City University. [55335/13]
View answerThe back to education allowance (BTEA) scheme is designed to support second chance education. It enables eligible persons to pursue approved education courses that leads to a higher qualification than that already held and to continue to receive income support for the duration of a course of study, subject to conditions. BTEA covers full-time second level courses and third level courses to higher diploma level (level 8 in the national framework of qualifications) including the professional diploma in education (primary and secondary teaching). The BTEA does not currently provide income support for students pursuing other postgraduate qualifications, masters or doctorates.
