I propose to take Questions Nos. 838, 912, 914 and 931 together.
The Back to Education Allowance has been extended as part of the July Stimulus in response to Covid-19. Ordinarily a person must be in receipt of a qualifying social welfare payment for a minimum period before being eligible to apply for the scheme when pursuing training or education and these periods have been waived for those in receipt of the Pandemic Unemployment Payment. Similar arrangements apply for further education or VTOS delivered by SOLAS. This ensures that those who have lost their employment during the pandemic have immediate access to a range of educational options.
A person seeking access to further education will be required to make an application for a jobseekers payment. The Back to Education Allowance is payable at the jobseekers rate, currently €203 for the weekly maximum personal rate and increased allowances may be paid for qualifying adults and child dependents. The Back to Education may be payable for the duration of the course depending on the individual's circumstances and entitlement to the payment.
A person who is engaged in part time education may continue to avail of the Pandemic Unemployment Payment while they continue to satisfy the conditions of the scheme.
I would advise any person seeking to return to education to engage with their local Intreo Centre to assess their options.
I trust that this clarifies the position.