Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 April 2024
407. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Social Protection the supports available to someone returning to education part-time and continuing to work; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17564/24]
View answerMy Department provides a range of supports to assist recipients of income support payments to develop their skills to regain employment.
The Part-Time Education Option enables jobseekers to retain their Jobseeker's payment while undertaking a part-time course of study, provided that they continue to satisfy the conditions of being available for and genuinely seeking full time employment on an on-going basis.
Any person in receipt of a jobseeker's payment seeking to return to education should engage with their local Intreo Centre to assess their options.
The Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science has policy responsibility for the further and higher education sectors and the development of supports for both full-time and part-time students.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
