Dáil Éireann Debate, Friday - 16 September 2016
684. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Social Protection if students of the Masters in Translation Studies course offered at DCU are eligible to apply for the back to education allowance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24552/16]
View answerThe Back to Education Allowance Scheme (BTEA) is designed to support second chance education. It enables eligible persons to pursue approved education courses and to continue to receive income support for the duration of a course of study, subject to meeting certain conditions.
Access to BTEA at postgraduate level is limited. BTEA is only payable to persons who wish to pursue a postgraduate course of study that leads to a higher diploma (H-Dip) qualification in any discipline or to persons in pursuit of a professional masters of education (primary and secondary school teaching). An exception to the eligibility rule for masters is made whereby a person is admitted to a master’s programme based solely on life experience and provided the applicant is not the holder of any third level qualification.
Administration of BTEA is aligned with the student support schemes under the Department of Education and Skills. BTEA should not be viewed as an alternative to the student grant system.
I have no plans to alter the current range of courses covered by the scheme.
