Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 November 2022
393. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will review the case of a person (details supplied) who had their back to education allowance withdrawn and have the payment re-instated having regard to the extenuating circumstances of this case; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [56514/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Back to Education Allowance (BTEA) is an educational opportunities scheme for customers in receipt of certain social welfare payments wishing to pursue second or third level courses, subject to meeting certain qualifying conditions.
I understand that the individual concerned was on BTEA from 9th October 2020 until 20th May 2022 when the person completed year two of a four-year course. When the person submitted a reapplication for BTEA, it was in respect of year one of a new course. This application was refused as the person had discontinued the original course of study.
A review of this application has just been completed, and I am pleased to say that it has been decided to approve the application in light of the mitigating circumstances. This will be communicated to the person concerned as a matter of urgency.
