Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)

The Deputy is incorrect in saying there has been a cutback in the back-to-education allowance. There has been none and I am particularly encouraged by the numbers applying for the scheme. This summer we focused the scheme on those who want to take it up. The more people we can encourage to join the scheme, the better. The facilitators are doing a good job in highlighting the scheme. It shows by targeting a particular group, especially young workers, that it can be successful.

It is a scheme which supports employability, my main aim, and getting people back to work by supporting and facilitating them with education and training. It is not, therefore, appropriate to shift it to people who are currently in employment, albeit on low incomes.

The Deputy referred to those people who unfortunately lost their jobs in the past year. They might not have been able to access education or training immediately but they would have been able to access it within a few months, such as six months in respect of second level. If they were called for the employment action plan, it would mean nine months for third level.

The six month requirement for second level schooling is about right. Many people would start into academic education in September. Were it to be reduced any further, people would be claiming unemployment benefit for three months which is not what we want.

This is a valuable scheme and one I will keep under review. Up to 8,803 people participated last year and participation rates have increased by 24% already this year. The scheme is working and it is my aim we ensure people know and are given advice about it.

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