Vol. 520 No. 4
168 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs the circumstances if any, whereby a person may participate in an over 21 mature adult programme where they have not been unemployed for the previous six months. [15855/00]
The back to education allowance is a second chance educational oppor tunities programme 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 work force. To qualify for participation an applicant must, inter alia, be in receipt of a relevant social welfare payment for at least six months, 156 days, immediately prior to commencing an approved course of study. There are no circumstances whereby a person who does not satisfy this condition can participate in this programme. The broader issue of adult education is a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Education and Science.
