Jonathan O'Brien (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

21. To ask the Minister for Social Protection her plans to expand the back-to-education allowance for all postgraduate courses. [50107/13]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The back to education allowance (BTEA) scheme is designed to support second chance education. It enables eligible persons to pursue approved education courses that leads to a higher qualification than that already held and to continue to receive income support equivalent to the value of their prior social protection payment for the duration of a course of study, subject to conditions. BTEA covers full-time second level courses and third level courses to higher diploma level (level 8 in the national framework of qualifications) including the professional diploma in education (primary and secondary teaching). The BTEA does not provide income support for students pursuing other postgraduate qualifications, masters or doctorates. My Department conducted a review of employment supports schemes, including BTEA, in 2012 and published the report in January 2013. The recommendations of that review, including those relating to BTEA are being considered.