Vol. 513 No. 6
347 Mrs. T. Ahearn asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs the number of applications for a back to education allowance made in south Tipperary since September 1998; the number of these which were unsuccessful; the reasons in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2969/00]
There are two options under the back to education allowance, namely a third-level option and a second-level option.
The conditions for participation require a person to be: (i) at least 21 years of age (24 for a post-graduate course) or in the case of certain persons with a disability, 18 years; (ii) in receipt of the relevant social welfare payment for six months prior to commencing the scheme; and (iii) attending an approved course of study at a recognised institute of education.
The number of applications in County Tipperary since 1 September 1998 for participation in the third level option was 234 of which 198 were approved. There are 161 participants currently in payment. A total of 37 applicants who were originally approved have finished or left their course of study for various reasons and are no longer participating in the scheme.
Of the 36 persons who were refused participation in the scheme, five did not satisfy the age condition at (i) above, 13 did not satisfy condition (ii), 12 did not satisfy condition (iii) and six did not satisfy two or more of the qualifying conditions.
There are currently 22 participants in County Tipperary availing of the back to education allowance, second level option. There are no details available of applicants who were refused participation in this strand of the scheme.
Separate information on these schemes for South Tipperary is not available.
348 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs the number of persons in County Mayo refused unemployment benefit or assistance in 2000 on the grounds that they are not genuinely seeking work. [2972/00]
In the period 1 January 2000 to 28 January 2000, the number of unemployment claims disallowed in Mayo on the grounds that the claimants were not genuinely seeking work was 14. A further six claims were disallowed on the grounds that the claimants were not available for work.
349 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs the reason a person (details supplied) in County Mayo is being refused unemployment benefit in view of the fact that he has submitted proof that he is genuinely seeking work. [2973/00]
To qualify for an unemployment payment a person must be available for and genuinely seeking work. Reviews of recipients' efforts to find work are carried out on an ongoing basis.
In the context of a recent review of his entitlements, the person concerned was asked to provide details of his efforts to find work. Based on his response a deciding officer disallowed his claim from 26 January 2000 on the grounds that he was not genuinely seeking work.
The person concerned has appealed this decision. His case has been forwarded to the social welfare appeals office who will be in contact with him regarding the matter.
