Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I did not answer the question on the back to education scheme, so I will do so now if I may. The back to education allowance scheme is a second chance education support for jobseekers and people currently in receipt of the qualifying social welfare payments to undertake full-time second or third level education courses and retain access to the welfare payment. The scheme's main objective is to raise the education and skill levels of the unemployed individuals to help them to progress from unemployment to employment. The qualifying period for the second level option is three months and the qualifying period for third level courses is nine months prior to the date of the commencement of the course. We have waived that period for those in receipt of the PUP who can avail of the back to education scheme to commence a new course of education. Unlike existing social welfare recipients, no qualifying period is required. They can go straight in and apply for a back to education payment.

The Department had a provision of €96.5 million for 2021. That has been increased to €105.4 million for 2022. This represents a considerable investment in supporting participants to acquire the necessary education and skills to re-enter the labour market. The total number of scheme recipients, as at 31 December 2021, was 5,545. The recipients are broken down into 4,300 on jobseeker's allowance, 450 on jobseeker's benefit and 800 based on other qualifying Department of Social Protection payments. Currently, 86% of total recipients had been on jobseeker's supports previously. As part of the Government's pathways to work strategy, there is a commitment to increase participation and funding under the scheme to 7,000 people.

The back to education scheme was originally intended for people who might not have completed secondary education and wanted to get back to work. I do not know what sectors the participants are going into. I do not have that information. I hope that information is helpful.