Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 74: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the category of person on the back to education scheme who can qualify for a higher or further education grant and if any change in this is planned in the context of the four year budgetary plan. [44613/10]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Students who were in receipt of the BTEA and the student grant for the 2009/10 academic year will continue to be eligible for both payments for the duration of their current course provided they meet the terms and conditions of the relevant grant scheme. Students progressing to a new course, with effect from 2010/11, will no longer be eligible for maintenance portion of the student grant but can apply to their local authority or Vocational Education Committee for assistance towards the cost of the student services charge and any fees payable.

The BTEA is a Department of Social Protection 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 workforce. Eligibility for, and the payment structure of the BTEA is determined and administered by the Department of Social Protection and is primarily a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Social Protection.

The Deputy will appreciate that the preparation of the Estimates is carried out on a strictly confidential basis and it would not be appropriate for me to comment on specific issues or proposals including those relating to student grants, at this stage. However, all proposals made in relation to education expenditure will be considered in the context of the Budget.