Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

32. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the support available to a person (details supplied) in Dublin 3; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2532/16]

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

The person concerned applied for back to education allowance (BTEA) on the basis of their planned participation in a postgraduate course which would lead to a Masters in Social Work. BTEA can only be approved in limited circumstances for jobseekers undertaking postgraduate study. Study for postgraduate qualifications for which BTEA cannot be approved include Masters in all disciplines, other than a Higher Diploma (H.Dip) in any discipline, a Professional Masters in Education (PME) or a Master degree based solely on life experience where the applicant holds no other third level qualification.

However, as the person concerned indicated on their BTEA application form that they were already a holder of a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business, it was not possible to approve the BTEA application as they did not meet the eligibility criteria of the scheme.

In relation to other supports available, carer's allowance can be paid in respect of a person, such as her father, requiring full-time care and attention. In this person’s case there is already a carer’s allowance in payment in this household, however, two carers who are providing full-time care on a part-time basis in an established pattern can share the carers allowance income support payment and the annual respite care grant.