Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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726. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the eligibility for the back to education allowance in the case of persons (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37185/18]

Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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The persons concerned submitted applications for the Back to Education Allowance(BTEA) dated 18/6/18 in order to pursue a full time Level 6 foundation course.

In order to qualify for the BTEA an applicant must be progressing in the levels of education held. Both of the persons concerned currently hold a Level 8 honours degree and their applications were refused as the progression rule was not satisfied following consultation with BTEA section. Current scheme guidelines stipulate that a BTEA application cannot be approved for an applicant holding a Level 7 qualification or higher where the proposed course of study is at a lower level.

Following review requests, both applications were reviewed and the original decisions were upheld by the reviewer on completion of the reviews. A further review was requested by the first person concerned. A review was undertaken by a more senior officer than the first reviewer. On completion on the second review the decision was upheld by the second reviewer and the decision remains unchanged.

The persons concerned submitted an application to pursue the level 6 course under the Part Time Education Option (PTEO) stating that their chosen course was a part-time course and not a full-time course as originally stated. Confirmation of this was requested by the Intreo Centre on 20/8/2018. To date no further information has been received by the Intreo Centre.

It is open to the persons concerned to submit the required documentation in support of their PTEO application and a review of their circumstances and eligibility can be initiated.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.