Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 5 Oct 1999

Vol. 508 No. 3

Written Answers - Volunteer Development Workers.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

316 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs the reason a more flexible approach is not taken when considering return volunteer development workers for a back to education allowance in view of the fact that many of these workers who have given up their time freely in a Third World country must currently fulfil the six month criteria for signing on the live register; the plans, if any, he has to introduce a more flexible approach in relation to these personnel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18968/99]

Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs (Mr. D. Ahern):

The back to education allowance is a second chance educational opportunities scheme designed to encourage and facilitate unemployed people, lone parents and people with disabilities to improve their skills and qualifications with a view to returning to the workforce.

To qualify for participation an applicant must, inter alia, be in receipt of a relevant social welfare payment for at least six months. The relevant payments are unemployment assistance, unemployment benefit, one parent family payment, blind person's pension and disability allowance.

I understand that all back to education allowance applications from returned volunteer development workers to date have been approved for participation in the scheme. I am examining the question of special arrangements to meet the particular needs of such workers and to ensure that they are not disadvantaged by reason of the periods spent on volunteer work.