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Back to Education Allowance

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 July 2016

Tuesday, 12 July 2016

Ceisteanna (346)

Robert Troy

Ceist:

346. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Social Protection why the back to education allowance scheme will only cover a master's degree in education; and if he will investigate the possibility of allowing it to cover additional master's degrees. [21040/16]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The objective of the back to education allowance scheme (BTEA) is to assist those who are distant from the labour market to acquire the necessary education to improve their chances of becoming independent of the social welfare system. The BTEA, which is designed to support second chance education, enables eligible persons to pursue approved education courses and to continue to receive income support for the duration of a course of study, subject to meeting certain conditions.

Other than the Professional Masters in Education, which is a pre-requisite to taking up a teaching post, the BTEA does not provide income support to customers seeking to pursue a qualification at Masters Level.

The BTEA was never intended to be an alternative form of funding for people entering or re-entering the third level education system. The Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI) Grant payable by the Department of Education and Skills represents the primary support for persons pursuing education. The eligibility rules that govern the payment of a student maintenance grant are a matter for that Department.

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