Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 January 2019
1035. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection her plans to increase the €198 back-to-education allowance in view of the fact that it is perceived as not being sufficient; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54152/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe back to education allowance scheme (BTEA) is designed to support second chance education. It enables eligible persons to pursue education and to continue to receive income support, in line with their qualifying scheme rates, for the duration of a course of study. The objective of the scheme is to raise the educational and skill levels to enable jobseekers better access to the emerging needs of the labour market in line with Government activation strategy.
The BTEA is not intended as 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.
The appropriate rate of payment for all social welfare schemes, including the BTEA scheme, is considered by Government in the context of the Budget and the availability of resources. The rate for BTEA is linked to the persons' underlying payment, for example jobseekers allowance, and my Department will provide a further €5 increase in the weekly rate from March 2019 (building on similar increases in March 2017 and 2018). This will increase the weekly maximum personal rate from €198 to €203.
From the 2017/2018 academic year my Department reintroduced the annual Cost of Education Grant. This grant is €500 and is payable to BTEA participants with a child on their BTEA payment.
Overall, the Deputy should note that some €78.5 million was paid by my Department in 2018 to meet the cost of BTEA and the cost of Education Grant. This represents a considerable investment in supporting in excess of 10,000 customers in the past year to acquire the necessary education and skills to re-enter the labour market.
I trust this clarifies the position.
