Patrick Nulty (Dublin West, Labour)
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To ask the Minister for Social Protection if she will reconsider plans to discontinue the cost of education allowance for back to education recipients as well as other cuts to back to education allowance; her views on whether these cuts will have serious impact on students who are trying to further their educational and employment prospects; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [56762/12]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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The Back to Education Allowance (BTEA) scheme remains an attractive scheme for the unemployed who wish to further their education. A person entering BTEA with an entitlement to the maximum jobseekers personal rate of €188 per week may retain this rate while pursuing a course. A significant majority of those entering BTEA do so on the maximum personal rate of payment. In addition, all Jobseekers who engage with BTEA are exempt from the underlying conditions of that payment in relation to being genuinely available and seeking work for the duration of their course, which allows them to concentrate fully on their studies. BTEA participants may also take up part time employment while engaged with BTEA without affecting their BTEA rate of payment. Participants who cannot find employment for summer months between academic years are also allowed to sign on the Live Register and receive a jobseekers payment for this period where an entitlement exists.

While the cost of education allowance will not be payable to new and existing BTEA participants from January 1st 2013, other Budget changes introduced from this date apply to new entrants only and do not affect those already furthering their education through BTEA. New entrants aged under 25 years old continue to be incentivised to further their education through BTEA. From January 1st 2013 under 25’s on age reduced jobseekers payments will have their weekly payments increased to €160 per week if they engage with BTEA. This represents a €60 per week increase for 18-21 year olds whose maximum weekly jobseekers payment is €100 and a €16 per week increase for 22-24 year olds who have an entitlement to a maximum weekly jobseekers payment of €144. Only in cases where means exist will the weekly rate fall below €160 and means will now be assessed against the new maximum rate of €160, ensuring even those with means will receive an incentive for participating in education through BTEA.

From January 1st new entrants aged over 25 years old entering BTEA on a reduced payment due to means will continue to receive this entitlement. This entitlement is based on a means test carried out by my Department and is the rate deemed appropriate to an individual based on their unique circumstances.