Vol. 572 No. 2
211 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she will reconsider changes she has made to the back to education initiative, for example, the payment of the benefit for nine months instead of 12 and the restriction of the scheme to undergraduate courses; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22748/03]
The BTEA 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.
Last year a review of the basic purpose underlying my Department's back to education provisions was carried out. In the light of this and of the expenditure constraints facing us this year, the scheme was 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 payments under the scheme for the summer period have been discontinued for BTEA participants who were in receipt of an unemployment payment. This was done because many students traditionally find seasonal work at home or abroad during the summer months.
Of course participants in the scheme who failed to find employment during the summer were entitled to unemployment assistance or benefit, subject to satisfying the usual qualifying conditions.
All other participants on the scheme, lone parents and people with disabilities, remain unaffected by this decision and retained payment during the summer period.
The BTEA scheme was also revised in respect of people who wish to pursue certain full-time postgraduate courses. These now no longer qualify for BTEA. All of the people concerned are already in possession of a third level qualification. I am satisfied that they already have achieved a good level of academic attainment. This should impact positively on their employment prospects. In a time of financial constraint I want to ensure that supports are directed at those with the most pressing needs. Those wishing to take up a higherdiploma in all disciplines or graduate diploma in primary school teaching were not affected by these changes.
I am satisfied that the new arrangements will ensure that the BTEA scheme continues to provide support to those people who are the most distant from the labour market. I have no plans to alter these arrangements.
