Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 9 September 2020
215. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the reason recipients of the pandemic unemployment payment cannot be accepted for the Springboard programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22968/20]
View answerEligibility for Springboard+ courses for those in receipt of payments operated by the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection is the responsibility of that Department.
In advance of commencing a course of education or training, either part-time or full-time, including Springboard+ courses, a person in receipt of the Pandemic Unemployment Payment will be required to establish an entitlement to a qualifying social welfare weekly payment, generally a Jobseeker’s payment. A person will be required to transfer from the Pandemic Unemployment Payment to the relevant qualifying social welfare scheme to continue to receive income support while undertaking Springboard+ courses.
I am informed that, under the July Stimulus the Back To Education Allowance has been extended to people who have been in receipt of the Pandemic Unemployment Payment. The Back to Education Allowance provides income support for people who wish to pursue second or third level courses, including full time Springboard+ courses. Someone applying for second or third level education, including springboard courses, will be deemed to have satisfied the required qualification period when they transfer from the Pandemic Unemployment Payment.
Whereas the Pandemic Unemployment Payment is short term in nature and scheduled to cease in April 2021, the Back to Education Allowance provides long term income support which can be provided for the duration of an education course and which can extend for up to 3 or 4 years depending on the individuals circumstances.
