Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 218: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the options available to a person (details supplied) in Dublin 9. [24007/11]

Ciarán Cannon (Galway East, Fine Gael)
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The person referred to by the Deputy can contact the Adult Education Guidance service of his local Vocational Education Committee (VEC) in relation to options in further education. The person could also contact his local FÁS office in relation to training options. There are also a range of free part-time options available in Higher Education under the Springboard initiative - the person can check www.bluebrick.ie for more information.

Unemployed people who wish to undertake a course of education, including the Post Leaving Certificate (PLC) programme referred to by the person, may be eligible to receive the Back to Education Allowance (BTEA). The BTEA is administered by the Department of Social Protection and its terms and conditions are a matter for that Department and the Minister for Social Protection. The person should contact his local welfare office to determine his eligibility or otherwise for the BTEA.

The PLC programme operates on an academic year basis and is open to school leavers and adults returning to education, including those in receipt of welfare payments. My Department funds a student maintenance grant for learners attending PLC courses. Under the terms of the scheme, grant assistance is awarded to learners who meet the prescribed conditions of funding including those which relate to age, residence, means, nationality and previous academic attainment. The local VEC can advise the person on his eligibility or otherwise for the scheme. Budget 2011 provided for the introduction of a €200 annual PLC programme participant contribution for all PLC participants. The following categories of participants are exempt from paying the contribution: Full medical card holders in their own right and their dependent children; Those who are eligible under the student grant scheme; Those in receipt of the BTEA or Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme (VTOS) allowances.

PLC participants may also be asked to pay for the following: Books, uniforms/clothing or other equipment which becomes the personal property of the learner Student Services Registration charges by professional bodies Examination fees