Danny Healy-Rae
Ceist:625. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection for details of funding for students (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39820/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraWednesday, 20 September 2023
Ceisteanna (625)
Freagraí scríofa
The Back to Education Allowance provides income support for jobseekers and others in receipt of certain social welfare payments who pursue courses of education at further or higher level. The focus of the scheme is to assist social welfare recipients to improve their qualifications and as a result improve their access to sustainable employment. The Government has provided €49.08 million for the scheme in 2023.
A person wishing to pursue a course of study under the Back to Education Allowance scheme must satisfy certain conditions including being in receipt of a qualifying payment for a specified time, which is 3 months for further level courses and 9 months for higher level courses.
The Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI) grant, payable by the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research and Science, is the primary support for people pursuing further and higher education. This grant offers funding to eligible students, from school leavers to mature students returning to education who are taking approved courses.
The Back to Education Allowance scheme is not intended to be an alternative form of funding for people entering or re-entering the higher education system.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.