Pádraic McCormack (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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Question 596: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the way the back to education grant allowance can be considered as a duplicate payment along with the maintenance grant; and the financial support that is available for social welfare recipients in returning to education. [12764/10]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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The objective of the back to work education allowance is to equip people on social welfare payments with qualifications that will enable them to obtain employment in the labour market. The scheme is a second chance educational opportunities scheme for people on welfare payments who wish to participate in full-time education and who would not otherwise be able to do so. Participation is open to recipients of a range of welfare payments, including Jobseekers, One Parent Family, Disability, Illness and Caring schemes.

The back to education allowance is paid at a standard weekly rate equivalent to the maximum rate of the social welfare payment that qualifies the applicant for the scheme. It is not means-tested and income from part-time work while on the back to education allowance does not affect the basic payment. In addition, an annual cost of education allowance of €500 is payable.

The back to education allowance has an important role to play in enhancing the employability skills of jobseekers. The nature and structure of the scheme will continue to be monitored in the context of the objectives of the scheme and changes in the economic climate.

My colleague, the Minister for Education and Science, deals with the student maintenance grant schemes.

Martin Ferris (Kerry North, Sinn Fein)
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Question 597: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason there has been a delay in the payment of child benefit in respect of a person (details supplied); and if this matter will be expedited. [12766/10]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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Due to staff action currently being taken, I regret that I am unable to provide the information sought by the Deputy.