John Lyons (Dublin North West, Labour)
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Question 83: To ask the Minister for Social Protection if she will review an application for back to education allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 9; if an exception will be made in this case as employment opportunities in the archeology sector have become virtually non-existent, a point which has been well documented in the media; and if there are any further supports available to assist this person. [29209/11]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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A person wishing to qualify for the Back to Education Allowance (BTEA) must satisfy a number of conditions. The person must be a certain age, be in receipt of a prescribed social welfare payment for a specified time period, and be pursuing a full time course of study leading to a recognised qualification in a recognised college.

In addition, the approved course must lead to a higher qualification on the National Framework of Qualifications than that already held by the person. Progression has always been a feature of the BTEA. Graduates do not have an entitlement to the BTEA to pursue a further full time course at a similar qualification level to that already held by the person, as this could, inter alia, lead to displacement of other persons seeking such qualifications for the first time.

The person concerned applied for a BTEA. The application was not approved as the person already holds a qualification at a higher level than the one in respect of which the application was made. I have reviewed the application, but, under the circumstances, it is not possible to approve the BTEA.

Springboard is part of the Government's Jobs Initiative. It offers people the opportunity to study on a part-time basis for higher education qualifications in areas where more employment opportunities are expected to arise as the economy recovers. The course that the person concerned is pursuing is a full-time course and, therefore, does not come within the scope of the Springboard Initiative.

Other forms of support to persons who wish to further their qualifications include the option of retaining a jobseeker's payment while pursuing a part-time education course. The person must apply to the social welfare local office and verify that participation on the course does not reduce availability for work. In the case of jobseeker's benefit, participation on a course does not grant any extension to the normal period in respect of which the benefit is paid. It is also open to persons to apply to their local authority for a student grant.