John Brady (Wicklow, Sinn Fein)
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399. To ask the Minister for Social Protection when the new rate for the back to education allowance of €193 per week for young persons under 26 years of age announced in budget 2017 will commence and be paid to recipients; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34924/16]

John Brady (Wicklow, Sinn Fein)
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400. To ask the Minister for Social Protection if the new rate for the back to education allowance, BTEA, of €193 per week for young persons under 26 years of age will apply to all BTEA participants, irrespective of when they commenced the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34925/16]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 399 and 400 together.

While the Social Welfare Bill 2016 has been published, until such time as it is enacted no changes will be made to increases in weekly welfare rates. Subject to enactment, all BTEA increases will come into effect in March 2017.

Rate increases will be payable to applicable BTEA participants, irrespective of their commencement date on the scheme.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.