Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)

The allowance is paid at a standard weekly rate equivalent to the maximum rate of the relevant social welfare payment that qualifies the applicant for participation in the scheme. It essentially replaces the person's existing social welfare income and an annual €500 cost of education allowance is payable. To qualify for participation an applicant must be in receipt of a relevant social welfare payment and at least 21 years of age prior to commencing an approved course of study. However, lone parents and persons in receipt of unemployment payments can qualify at 18 years of age provided they have not been in formal education for at least two years.

In general, an applicant must be in receipt of a relevant social welfare payment for six months if pursuing a second level course or 12 months if pursuing a third level course. However, since 2007 people who are awarded statutory redundancy may access the back to education allowance scheme immediately, provided an entitlement to a relevant social welfare payment is established prior to commencing an approved course of study. This measure has increased the number of people participating in the scheme.

In addition, the qualifying period for access to the third level option has been reduced to nine months for persons who are participating in the national employment action plan process and where a FÁS employment services officer recommends pursuance of such a course. I intend to keep the current scheme under review. In September, we organised a useful seminar through Mr. Brian Mooney of the Institute of Guidance Counsellors which brought together facilitators from around the country to inform them of the various educational opportunities available in order that they could advise their clients of same. Those who attended the seminar found it useful.

The number of participants on the back to education allowance scheme has increased in recent years, supported by a growth in expenditure on the scheme from €38 million in 2003 to a provision of €70 million this year.

Several speakers referred to the delays in processing claims being experienced in some social welfare offices. This problem, which has arisen as a result of the number of people signing on, can be difficult for individuals. However, we are taking measures to ensure the process is accelerated. These include additional posts assigned to local offices from other parts of the Department, the use of temporary staff to fill vacancies, increased overtime and prioritisation of work. These measures are being reviewed on a continuous basis as I am anxious to ensure the service is efficient.

The Government is determined to ensure those who become unemployed receive the financial support they need in a timely manner and, more important, are able to secure help to return to work through the back to education allowance or by preparing them for the future.

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