Léim ar aghaidh chuig an bpríomhábhar
Gnáthamharc

Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 9 Oct 2003

Vol. 572 No. 2

Written Answers. - Student Support Schemes.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

206 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if a person (details supplied) in County Kildare qualifies for the back to education allowance in accordance with the conditions prevailing when they embarked on the course; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22780/03]

With effect from 1 January the conditions for entitlement to the allowance were revised. From that date the it does not apply to certain full-time postgraduate courses. It was considered that the scheme needed to be refocused towards people who most need additional training or qualifications in order to gain a foothold in the labour market. People with a primary degree are already in possession of a third level qualification and their academic qualifications should impact positively on their employment prospects. Those wishing to take up a higher diploma in all disciplines or a graduate diploma in primary school teaching were not affected by these changes.

The person concerned was a participant in the scheme from September 1999 to May 2003 while pursuing a four year primary degree. In September 2003 he applied for further participation in the scheme in order to pursue a postgraduate qualification. The course he now intends to pursue is outside its scope. Therefore, this application was disallowed on the grounds that the person has already achieved a high level of academic attainment while participating in the scheme, which has already greatly enhanced his prospects of securing employment.

In a time of financial constraint I must ensure that supports are directed at those with the most pressing needs. Limited resources must continue to be aimed at those in most need and who are most distant from the labour market.

Barr
Roinn