Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Question 828: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs her views on expanding the back to education allowance in order that it will cover postgraduate courses aside from teaching courses; the estimated cost for same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30930/09]

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 915: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs her views on reviewing the criteria for the back to education allowance in view of the number of graduates currently unemployed (details supplied). [31249/09]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Question Nos. 828 and 915 together.

The objective of the back to education allowance scheme is to equip people on social welfare payments with qualifications that will enable them to obtain employment in the labour market. The scheme covers courses of education from second level to Higher Diploma level in any discipline [the National Framework of Qualifications {NFQ} and to a Graduate Diploma in Education (Primary and Secondary Teaching)] which add significantly to a person's employability. Other postgraduate qualifications (level 9 or level 10) are not included. The number of people on the scheme at the end of the 2008/2009 academic year was 11,646 representing an increase of 31% on the previous academic year and the scheme was modified in the April supplementary budget to reduce the qualifying period.

The focus of the back to education allowance is on providing assistance to the highest possible number of those in greatest need in terms of meeting the requirements of a modern labour market. People in possession of a third level qualification have already achieved a high level of academic attainment which should impact positively on their employment prospects. The possession of qualifications such as Postgraduate Diplomas, Professional Diplomas and MA courses or specialised post-graduate courses in Science/IT/Engineering at level 9 or above on the NFQ are not regarded as a prerequisite to re-entering the workforce and at present there are no plans to extend the scheme to cover courses at this level.

This approach is considered appropriate in the context of targeting scarce resources at the greatest need. The scheme will continue to be monitored in the light of the changed economic circumstance in order to ensure that it continues to meet its objectives.