Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 2 November 2021
608. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection if a decision to refuse an application for the back to education allowance in the case of a person (details supplied) can be reviewed with particular reference to the fact they applied for the course within 14 days of the start date and also had to previously defer on medical grounds; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52778/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person concerned was awarded a Jobseeker's Allowance (JA) payment from 31/08/2021. He made an application for a Back to Education Allowance (BTEA) on 30/09/2021 to pursue the 4th year of a Computer Science degree which had commenced in Maynooth University on 22/09/2021.
The person concerned was refused BTEA as he was not in receipt of a qualifying payment for a minimum of 9 months and was not entering the 1st year of a course of study. The person concerned was advised of this decision on 01/10/2021 and afforded the opportunity to request a review. The person concerned subsequently requested a review and as he was not entering the 1st year of a course of study, the original decision to refuse his application was upheld.
The decision to refuse BTEA was not based on the application date or a previous deferral on medical grounds.
Maynooth University may be able to advise the person concerned on other ways of completing this course on a part-time basis. The person concerned may qualify for the Part-Time Education Option which would allow him retain JA while attending a part-time course.
It is open to the person concerned to meet with a Case Officer in the Maynooth Employment Services office who can provide him with information on other options available to him.
I trust this clarifies the matter.
