Willie Penrose
Ceist:99 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the recent changes to the back to education allowance; the reasons for these changes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13549/03]
Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefits.
Ciarán Cuffe
Ceist:102 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the measures she has put in place to ensure that secondary allowances will be maintained after the change of payment arrangements for those dependent on the back to education allowance scheme. [13505/03]
Kathleen Lynch
Ceist:127 Ms Lynch asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs her views on the legitimate concerns expressed by the Union of Students of Ireland, among others, that students from disadvantaged backgrounds who return to school and are entitled to the back to education allowance, are being very badly affected by the amendments made to the allowance; if she will reverse those changes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13554/03]
Finian McGrath
Ceist:421 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she will review the recent cuts in the back to education allowance (details supplied) and reverse this decision. [13378/03]
Richard Bruton
Ceist:424 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she will reconsider the recurral of vacation time payments to students on back to education allowance, in view of the hardship which it is likely to cause to individuals for the very little saving to the Government. [13437/03]
Trevor Sargent
Ceist:443 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she will reinstate the back to education allowance which formerly was available during summer months. [13804/03]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 99, 102, 127, 421, 424 and 443 together.
The back to education allowance scheme is a second chance education scheme designed to assist unemployed people and other disadvantaged groups who are being held back in their search for employment by a lack of qualifications. A review of the basic purpose underlying my Department's back to education provisions was carried out recently. In the light of this and of the expenditure constraints facing us this year, the scheme has been revised.
In framing proposals to change elements of the BTEA scheme, I was conscious of the need to ensure that payments were focused on those who most need training or qualifications in order to gain a foothold in the labour market. In line with this aim, payments under the scheme for the summer period have been discontinued, as people who had been previously unemployed often find work opportunities either at home or abroad during the summer months. Of course, participants in the scheme who fail to find employment during the summer may be entitled to unemployment assistance or benefit, subject to satisfying the usual qualifying conditions.
Regarding changes in the scheme as it relates to postgraduates, I am satisfied that people in possession of a third level qualification have already achieved a good level of academic attainment, which should impact positively on their employment prospects. In a time of financial constraint, I want to ensure that supports are directed to those with more pressing needs. I recently asked my officials to liaise with the relevant bodies to identify specific postgraduate courses such as the higher diploma – H.Dip – which add significantly to a person's employability and to which BTEA should continue to apply. As a consequence, my Department will continue to support those wishing to take up a higher diploma, H.Dip – in all disciplines or graduate diploma in primary school teaching.
There has been no change in the entitlements of BTEA participants to secondary benefits. For example, participants who are unable to find employment and who sign on for an unemployment payment for the summer months may continue to qualify for rent or mortgage interest supplement under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme on the same basis as other social welfare recipients. As before, additional income from part-time employment may affect the amount of supplement in payment. The rent supplement means test allows for a weekly income disregard of up to €50 in respect of additional income from part-time employment i.e. less than 30 hours per week. However, additional income in excess of €50 will reduce the amount of rent supplement payable.
People who take up full-time employment i.e. 30 hours or more per week are excluded by legislation from receiving assistance under the terms of the SWA scheme. I am aware of the views expressed by the Union of Students of Ireland. However, I believe that I have ensured, in a situation where priorities had to be set and choices made, that those in the greatest need of assistance under the BTEA scheme have been protected.