Fiona O'Loughlin (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

1434. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the appeals process in place for a person who wishes to appeal a back to education allowance decision; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15715/18]

Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Back to Education Allowance (BTEA), is a non-statutory scheme and operates on an administrative basis. The guidelines and applications processes are published on my Department’s website - www.welfare.ie. Decisions made at local Intreo office level are subject to review should an applicant be dissatisfied with the decision and/or explanation provided. The review is conducted by a more senior officer not involved in the original decision.

The reviewing officer will ensure the original decision is in line with the scheme guidelines, while also considering any new evidence supplied by the applicant. The outcome of a review will then be communicated clearly to the applicant outlining in detail why the application has been awarded or refused and noting that all new evidence has been taken into consideration in coming to a final determination.

All customers of the department also have the right to make a complaint to the Office of the Ombudsman if they are dissatisfied with a decision made by the department.