Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

While the back to education allowance payment is administered by my Department, we only act as an agent for the Department of Education and Skills. On the basis that the policy is under the remit of the Minister, Deputy McHugh, my Department is not in a position to undertake a review of the educational options available to people who are on the back to education allowance. We solely act as an agent. I agree with the Senator that it would be a worthwhile exercise and I would ask that she writes to the Minister, Deputy McHugh, to ask him to do it, and I will certainly support that. However, because it is not under my remit, I cannot stick my nose into it.