Vol. 531 No. 2
146 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs if he will amend the six months minimum period for social welfare purposes in respect of mature students going back to further education; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5186/01]
The back to education allowance is a second chance educational opportunities programme designed to encourage and facilitate certain groups who are receiving social welfare payments to improve their skills and qualifications and, therefore, their prospects of returning to the active 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. The focus of the back to education allowance scheme has always been on those who have been out of employment for some time and is a recognition of the special difficulties which such persons can face when attempting to equip themselves for the modern labour force.
The minimum qualifying period has been progressively reduced since the scheme was first introduced in 1990 when it was 15 months, 390 days. It is intended to commence an independent comprehensive evaluation of the scheme later this year. This will cover all aspects of the current scheme, including the qualifying requirements and will form the basis for any future changes in the scheme.
