Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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212. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if a means can be found to approve a back to education allowance in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47615/18]

Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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For the Back to Education Allowance Scheme, in order for eligibility and provisional award of payment to be determined by a Determining Officer, it is necessary for applications for this scheme to be made in advance and no later than 30 days prior to the commencement of the intended course of study. This requirement is to enable scheduling of assessment processes and interviews with applicants.

Following a review the Back to Education Allowance application made by the person concerned, it has been determined that that application was received within the 30 day limit. A Determining Officer has also now decided that the customer meets the eligibility criteria for the Back to Education Allowance Scheme.

The application by the person concerned has been forwarded to the Case Officer in line with the guidelines under this scheme and the Case Officer has given approval.

A revised decision will issue to the customer.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.