Olwyn Enright (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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Question 493: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the criteria that is in place for persons, who are unemployed and returned to third level education under the labour market activation scheme and in receipt of jobseeker's benefit, now no longer in receipt of a social welfare payment after a claim for jobseeker's allowance was disallowed to continue with their third level education; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22898/10]

Olwyn Enright (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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Question 494: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if she will review the case of a person (details supplied) in County Galway who returned to college under the labour market activation programme, to continue into second year of their college course; the assistance that will be given to this person to continue their education; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22900/10]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 493 and 494 together. Under the Labour Market Activation (LMA) initiative almost 1,800 unemployed people were supported to embark on part-time undergraduate and postgraduate programmes from September 2009 in areas that support the goals of the 'Smart Economy'.

Subject to institutional requirements regarding passing exams and course progression, students who continue to meet the criteria in terms of being unemployed are entitled to remain on and receive free fees on their programme of study. If a student gains employment, they would still be entitled to remain on the programme but would be liable for fees for subsequent academic years.

All students participating on these programmes who continue to meet all Department of Social Protection criteria on eligibility for Job Seekers Benefit and Job Seekers Allowance are entitled to retain their payments while studying on the programme. However participation on a programme does not in itself create an entitlement to a social welfare payment.