Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 29 September 2004
1328 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if there is another way a person (details supplied) in Dublin 9 can qualify for the back to education scheme; and if she will work with the Department of Education and Science on this case. [22102/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe back to education allowance is a second chance educational opportunities scheme designed to encourage and facilitate certain groups, particularly people who have been unemployed for a time and are having difficulty getting back into employment, to improve their skills and qualifications and, therefore, their prospects of returning to the active work force.
To qualify for participation in the third level option of the scheme an applicant must, inter alia, be in receipt of a relevant social welfare payment for at least 15 months — 390 days — immediately prior to commencing an approved course of study.
The person concerned, has been in receipt of unemployment benefit for only 224 days and does not, therefore, satisfy the eligibility criteria for participation in the scheme.
