Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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311. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if she will examine providing additional finance options in cases (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42790/18]

Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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The back to education allowance scheme (BTEA) is designed to support second chance education. It enables eligible persons to pursue approved education courses and to continue to receive income support for the duration of a course of study, subject to meeting certain conditions. All BTEA participants must re-establish their entitlement to the qualifying payment at the beginning of each and subsequent academic year.

BTEA participants who engage in part-time work have their earnings assessed in accordance with their primary payment. BTEA participants are not permitted to work full-time as the courses of education supported under BTEA are full-time and are encouraged to direct their efforts towards their course of study. There is no distinction made for mature students under the BTEA rules.

The BTEA is not intended as an alternative form of funding for people entering or re-entering the third-level education system. The Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI) Grant, payable by the Department of Education and Skills, represents the primary support for persons pursuing education. The eligibility rules that govern the payment of a student maintenance grant are a matter for that Department.

There are no plans to amend the conditions of the BTEA scheme at this time. However, the person referred to by the Deputy should engage with the Department to ensure that he is in receipt of his full entitlements.

I trust this clarifies the position.