Ulick Burke (Galway East, Fine Gael)
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Question 204: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the financial and educational support that exists to assist a person (details supplied) in County Galway who wishes to pursue a course at third level in order to re-enter the workforce; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36322/08]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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The three Third Level Student Support Schemes, administered by the Local Authorities and the Vocational Education Committees on behalf of my Department, offer financial assistance to eligible students attending approved third level courses. Students entering approved courses for the first time are eligible for grants where they satisfy the relevant conditions as to age, residence, means, nationality and previous academic attainment.

The closing date for receipt of grant applications for 2008/09 academic year was 29th August 2008. The awarding bodies, at their own absolute discretion, may accept applications after this date. The person referred to by the Deputy should contact their local awarding body to determine whether a late application would be considered at this juncture for the 2008/09 academic year.

The Back to Education Allowance (BTEA) is a second chance education opportunities scheme 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 work force. Eligibility for the Back to Education Allowance and associated payments is determined and administered by the Department of Social and Family Affairs.