I propose to take Questions Nos. 1121 and 1125 together.
The back to education allowance (BTEA) is a second chance education opportunities scheme operated by the Department 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. The scheme aims to assist those who are most marginalised and distant from the labour market to acquire the necessary education to improve their chances of becoming independent of the social welfare system.
The Department's Case Officer, having engaged with the individual, will consider their suitability for a course of study and the alignment with their personal progression plan to facilitate a return to employment. The Case Officer provides direction insofar as this relates to ensuring that the course of study is in an area where there are identified skill needs and job opportunities. The Deputy should be aware that Case Officers receive on-going training which is an important part of their development to ensure that they can engage with the jobseeker in a fair manner to enable them to pursue their job seeking ambitions.
If a person is dissatisfied with the decision taken regarding BTEA it is open to them to seek a review by another officer within the Department.
If the Deputy has a particular case, she should bring it to my Department's attention for review.
