Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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560. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if there are subsidised courses or workshops for spouses of self-employed persons who are not working or receiving unemployment benefits; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11052/18]

Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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The Back to Education Allowance (BTEA) is a scheme that allows persons in receipt of long-term social welfare payments the opportunity to pursue a course of study, while still maintaining their income support, subject to satisfying a number of conditions. These conditions include age and being in receipt of a qualifying social welfare payment for a specific period of time.

The student support grant payable by the Department of Education and Skills and administered by Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI) represents the primary support for persons pursuing education in Ireland. The Department of Social Protection does not offer specific supports for students pursuing qualifications outside of the BTEA.

For those that don’t qualify for a social welfare payment the Springboard Initiative administered by the Higher Educational Authority provides free courses. Springboard may be of interest to anyone considering taking up further education and training to improve their employment prospects.

Other options may include courses administered through Solas and the Education Training Boards (ETBs) which fall under the aegis of my colleague, the Minister for Education and Skills.