Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 384: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his plans to review the conditions on the back to education allowance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4796/08]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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The back to education allowance (BTEA) is an educational opportunities scheme for unemployed people, lone parents and people with disabilities in receipt of particular payments from my Department. It affords them the opportunity to undertake approved second or third level courses of education to improve their skills and qualification and, therefore their prospects of returning to the active work force. The objective of the scheme is to enhance the employability skills of vulnerable groups who are distant from the labour market. It is paid at a standard weekly rate equivalent to the maximum personal rate of the relevant a social welfare payment that qualifies the applicant for participation in the scheme. Increases for qualified adult and child dependants are also payable, where appropriate. It addition an annual cost of education allowance of €400 is payable. For the 2008/09 academic year this allowance will be €500.

The current scheme has been subject to review and modification over the years to ensure it continues to support those people who are most distant from the labour market and whose need is greatest. The number of people availing of the scheme is at its highest ever level, with more than 8,000 participating at present. I am satisfied that overall, the current arrangements applying to the back to education allowance scheme meet the objectives of the scheme and ensure that resources are targeted at those who are most in need. Any further changes to the scheme would need to be considered in a budgetary context and in the light of the resources available for improvements in social welfare generally.