Eoghan Murphy (Dublin South East, Fine Gael)
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376. To ask the Minister for Social Protection if she will outline the criteria used to abolish the book allowance grant for students eligible for the back to education allowance; and if she will outline what alternative grants are available that BTEA students could apply for (details supplied). [27511/13]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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The numbers availing of BTEA and the associated cost of the scheme has risen dramatically in recent years. Numbers for the current 2012/13 academic year at the end of December 2012 was 25,961 which represents a 220% increase on the 2006/07 numbers. The provisional outturn in 2012 is €199.56m. Expenditure on the scheme has followed an increasing trend rising from just over €64m in 2007 to almost €200m in 2012, an increase of 212%.

The BTEA scheme remains an attractive scheme for social welfare recipients who wish to further their education and is comparable with other State funded supports for those pursuing education. A significant majority of those entering the scheme are in receipt of the maximum personal weekly rate of payment of €188 per week and, in addition, increases for qualified adults and children may also be payable. These rates of payments were fully protected in the last two Budgets.

The Deputy should note the Student Grant payable by the Department of Education and Skills represents the primary support for persons pursuing education. Students who qualify for the BTEA, may be considered for support for the student contribution under the student grant scheme provided they satisfy the conditions of the relevant Student Grant scheme and Student Support regulations including those relating to approved course, residence, means, nationality and previous academic attainment. Students should apply to Student Universal Support Ireland to have their eligibility for a grant towards the student contribution assessed.

Other supports available to students include the Student Assistance Fund which will continue to be made available through the access offices of third-level institutions to assist students in exceptional financial need. Information on the fund is available through the Access Officer in the third level institution attended. The Access Officers themselves will also continue to provide support and advice to students to enable them to continue with their studies. Also the Fund for Students with Disabilities provides funding to both further and higher education institutions for the provision of services and supports for full-time students with disabilities.

In addition, tax relief at the standard rate of tax may be claimed in respect of tuition fees paid for approved courses at approved colleges of higher education. Further information on this tax relief is available from the Revenue Commissioners.