Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 353: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if an examination will be carried out on the income supports for mature students in view of the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 9; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4006/05]

Séamus Brennan (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The back to education allowance is a second chance education opportunities programme designed to encourage and facilitate people on certain social welfare payments to improve their skills and qualifications and, therefore, their prospects of returning to the active work force.

At present, to qualify for participation in the scheme an applicant must be, inter alia, in receipt of a relevant social welfare payment for at least six months if pursuing a second level course of study, currently 15 months is to be reduced to 12 months from September 2005.

The requirement to be in receipt of a relevant social welfare payment for a minimum period of time has always been a feature of the back to education allowance scheme and is considered reasonable and necessary to ensure that resources are targeted at those who are most in need. The issue of income supports for students, whether mature students or otherwise, is not a matter for the social welfare system.

Prior to commencing a course of study in September 2004, the person concerned, was in employment and not, therefore, within the target group for the scheme. I am satisfied that, overall, the current arrangements ensure that the scheme supports those people who are most distant from the labour market and whose need is greatest. As I have undertaken to the Dáil and the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Social Affairs, I will continue to keep the qualifying period for this scheme under regular review.