Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 November 2015
49. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection why a person (details supplied) in County Limerick was not entitled to a back to education allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40795/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraBack to education allowance scheme (BTEA) is an educational opportunities scheme for persons in receipt of certain social welfare payments wishing to pursue second or third level courses of education subject to meeting the qualifying conditions.
The person concerned made an application to participate in the BTEA scheme which was refused by illness benefit section on the grounds that they were not in receipt of any social welfare payment. Illness benefit customers must be in receipt of illness benefit for a minimum of 312 days.
The person concerned was on illness benefit from 15 April 2015 to 12 Sept 2015 (130 days) when a final cert was submitted.
It is not possible, within the scope of the scheme, to authorise an application for payment where the basic qualifying conditions have not been satisfied.
My department is now dealing directly with the person concerned regarding this matter.
