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Back to Education Allowance Eligibility

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 April 2015

Wednesday, 15 April 2015

Ceisteanna (47)

Jonathan O'Brien

Ceist:

47. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the guidelines that were previously in place and allowed students exiting Youthreach and going on to post leaving certificate courses to access the back to education allowance; and the reasons for any changes to that system. [14047/15]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Back to Education Allowance (BTEA) provides income support for second chance education opportunities to enable participation by jobseekers in full-time second and third level education. A person wishing to pursue a course of study under BTEA will have to satisfy a number of conditions. These include being of a certain age, in receipt of a prescribed social welfare payment for a specified time period and propose pursuing a full time course of study leading to a recognised qualification in a recognised college and, in general, be progressing in the level of education held. There has been no change in the terms and conditions applying to applicants to BTEA from Youthreach in recent years.

One of the conditions for receipt of the BTEA for jobseekers under 21 years of age is that they must be out of formal education for at least two years. Periods spent on Youthreach can count towards the relevant qualifying period and will be regarded as periods out of formal education. To qualify for BTEA, the applicant must have had a prior entitlement to an eligible social protection payment. In respect of Youthreach, eligibility to a qualifying payment must be established either prior to going on Youthreach or on completion of Youthreach and prior to the commencement date for the course of study. Advice on BTEA and the terms and conditions applying are available on the Department’s website www.welfare.ie or at any of the Department’s Intreo Centres or offices.

If the Deputy has any specific concerns he might contact me with the relevant details.

Question No. 48 withdrawn.
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