John Lyons
Ceist:377. Deputy John Lyons asked the Minister for Social Protection if consideration will be given to offering back to education allowance to those taking part-time courses of study. [49801/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 13 November 2012
Ceisteanna (377)
Freagraí scríofa
The back to education allowance (BTEA) is a second chance education opportunities scheme that enables those in receipt of certain social welfare payments to continue to receive a payment while pursuing an approved full-time education course that leads to a higher qualification than that already held. It is my intention to retain the requirement to be attending a full time course of study on a full time basis for BTEA.
A person wishing to pursue a part time education course, such as a Springboard course, may apply under the part-time education option (PTEO) of the back to education programme. PTEO allows them retain their jobseekers payment while an entitlement exists while pursuing a part-time course. They must apply at their local social welfare office and verify that participation on the course does not reduce their availability for work. In the case of jobseekers benefit, participation on a course does not grant any extension to the normal period for which jobseekers benefit is paid.