John Brassil (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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597. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if the length of the progression rule for course completion for level 5 and 6 courses for qualification for back to education allowance will be reviewed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39711/18]

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 an applicant with reference to the national framework of qualifications.

There are a number of instances where the progression rule may be waived. For instance, where a person holds a Level 5 or Level 6, the progression rule can be waived if their previous qualification was obtained three years prior to re-entry into education and applicant satisfies the other BTEA criteria. The course must also be deemed to enhance a person’s job prospects. If the Deputy has a particular case, they should request my Department to examine the specific circumstances.

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.

My Department has no plans to change the current rules for progression at this time.

I trust this clarifies the situation for the Deputy.