Joan Collins (Dublin South Central, Independent)
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391. To ask the Minister for Social Protection if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the cost of education allowance of €300, which was paid in addition to the back to education allowance, was abolished in the 2013 budget; if he will now consider reinstating the cost of education allowance or provide a new allowance to assist students to offset the costs of travel, lunches, stationery and so on; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26839/16]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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The objective of the back to education allowance (BTEA) is to assist those who are distant from the labour market to acquire the necessary education to improve their chances of becoming independent of the social welfare system. Administration of the BTEA by my Department is aligned with the student support schemes under the Department of Education and Skills.

The BTEA is not intended to be an alternative form of funding for people entering or re-entering the third level education system. The Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI) grant payable by the Department of Education and Skills represents the primary support for persons pursuing education. In general, most BTEA customers will also have certain registration and related college fees paid by Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI).

The operation of the BTEA has been comprehensively revised over the past two years to ensure it continues to support those people who are most distant from the labour market and whose need is greatest. Overall, I am satisfied with the current level of support available under the BTEA.