Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 22 November 2023
103. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection if a review of eligibility to the back to education allowance will be undertaken in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51298/23]
View answerThe Back to Education Allowance scheme (BTEA) is an educational opportunities scheme for customers in receipt of certain social welfare payments wishing to pursue second or third level courses of education, subject to meeting the qualifying conditions. The objective is to raise educational and skills levels to enable them to better access the labour market.
In certain limited circumstances BTEA can be approved where the customer proposes to undertake a course of study leading to a qualification at either QQI Levels 5 or 6 where the customer already holds qualification at the same level or lesser level, including a requirement that the customer worked for a period of at least three years and has paid PRSI contributions, including S contributions, (156 cons).
The person concerned made an application for BTEA dated 16/08/2023 and this was disallowed on 11/10/2023 on the grounds that the person holds a qualification at the same level and did not work for a period of up to three years and did not pay the required PRSI contributions.
The person concerned has been notified of the decision and has been offered support to meet with a member of the employment services team to explore options.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
