Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 March 2013
261. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason a person (details supplied) in Dublin 24 cannot do a UAC course in Pearse College, Dublin; and the actions that can be taken to allow this person to pursue this chosen course. [13874/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person referred to by the Deputy is undergoing a second level education course in Pearse College and is in receipt of a Back to Education Allowance (BTEA) from the Department of Social Protection. The College advise that upon completion of this course he wishes to undertake a university access course which will enable him to progress to third level and the College has a place available for him on this course. While City of Dublin VEC who manage Pearse College offer this course to some learners under the VTOS scheme the eligibility criteria requires that they be unemployed for at least six months prior to enrolment. The person referred to by the Deputy does not fulfil this criteria as he has been attending an educational course and is therefore not classed as unemployed.
His eligibility for payment under the Back to Education Allowance (BTEA) scheme should be addressed to the Department of Social Protection.
