Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 19 January 2022
908. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason the back to education allowance is not payable to those completing a masters degree, masters in education with the exception of a professional masters in education in primary education given the current pressures for teachers; if this will be reconsidered and the current position of same. [1061/22]
View answerThe Back to Education Allowance Scheme (BTEA) provides individuals with a second chance education that will improve their prospects of securing employment. The Scheme is not intended to provide the basis for extended participation in education and for this reason the circumstances in which BTEA can be approved for postgraduate studies are limited.
Post-graduate courses that lead to a higher diploma in any discipline are eligible for support under the BTEA.
Also, certain post-graduate courses that lead to a Master's level qualification are eligible for support. These are:
- Professional Masters in Education (PME - Level 9). The PME is a two-year, full-time programme for graduates for the purposes of registration as a primary or post-primary teacher.
- Masters degree (Level 9) based solely on life experience where the customer holds no other third level qualification.
These are the only circumstances in which the BTEA can be approved for a Master's level qualification.
The Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI) Grant, payable by the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science represents the primary support for people pursuing third level education.
If the Deputy has a query in respect of an individual case, they should provide the details and I would be happy to examine it.
I trust that this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
