Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 March 2004
631 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of applications received for the back to education grant for each of the past three years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8916/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe back to education allowance is a second chance education opportunities programme. It is 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 workforce.
Information on the number of new applications received for the back to education allowance is available only in respect of people pursuing third level courses. They must also be in receipt of either unemployment benefit, unemployment assistance, farm assist or disability benefit prior to participation in the scheme. The information requested is not available to people in receipt of other qualifying payments who account for about one-third of all new applications:
2001-02 academic year — 1,586 new applications received of which 1,096 were approved;
2002-03 academic year — 2,207 new applications received of which 1,581 were approved;
2003-04 academic year — 2,233 new applications received of which 1,515 were approved;
633 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason a person (details supplied) in County Kildare was refused rent allowance; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that this person has no alternative accommodation because their parents are relocating 50 miles away and it is not possible, due to this person’s circumstances, to relocate with the family; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9046/04]
Amharc ar fhreagra639 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reasons a person (details supplied) in County Kildare was refused the rent allowance; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that the person has no alternative accommodation as their parents are relocating 50 miles away and it is not possible in view of the applicants circumstances to relocate with the family; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9121/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 633 and 639 together.
The South Western Area Health Board was contacted on behalf of the person concerned. It advised that on receipt of her application for rent supplement she was referred to her local housing authority for a housing assessment. The housing authority deemed her not to have an accommodation need at present and her application was refused. The board has further advised that the housing authority has indicated that, if the person's circumstances change, a reassessment of her accommodation needs will be made.
