Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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338. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if her attention has been drawn to the fact that there is an anomaly between eligibility criteria for progression routes in the postgraduate applications centre, PAC, system when applying for higher diploma programmes as compared to the back to education system; the steps which have been taken to address this inequality; the way in which she is advising persons; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29703/18]

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 certain social welfare payments the opportunity to pursue a course of study, while still maintaining their income support, subject to satisfying a number of conditions. The conditions include progressing in the level of education held by the client with reference to the national framework of qualifications.

BTEA applicants holding a qualification at tertiary education level (certificate, diploma, primary degree or post graduate qualification) are not approved under the BTEA to pursue a course at a similar or lower qualification level. However, the BTEA may be approved if a person holds a HETAC level 8 Honours degree and wishes to pursue a Higher Diploma at HETAC Level 8 as this is considered progression.

Overall, it is important to note that the purpose of the BTEA is to raise educational and skill levels so as to improve a welfare recipient’s employment prospects. Progression in education is a condition which is not unique to BTEA. State support for education purposes is grounded on a student progressing from one qualification level to a higher one. Administration of BTEA is aligned with the student support schemes under the Department of Education and Skills.

PAC (the Postgraduate Applications Centre) is an agent for and acts on behalf of the universities participating in the Application System. PAC is an administrative facility.

If the Deputy is referring to a particular case, she should forward the details to my Department for review.

I hope this clarifies the matter.