Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

562. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if asylum seekers who have completed a first year of a course of study in a higher education institution under the sanctuary and refugee programme and who are subsequently granted status to remain here can qualify for the back to education allowance for the remainder their course of study (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3989/19]

Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The back to education allowance scheme (BTEA) is one of the Department’s activation interventions designed to support second chance education. It enables eligible persons to pursue education and to continue to receive their existing welfare payment for the duration of a course of study. All BTEA participants must re-establish their entitlement to the qualifying welfare payment at the beginning of each and subsequent academic year.

BTEA is not available to students in the circumstances as referred to by the Deputy as they do not have an on-going entitlement to a qualifying social welfare payment.

The BTEA is not intended as an alternative form of funding for people pursuing third-level education. 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. The Deputy should also note that applicants approved for BTEA are not eligible for a maintenance grant from SUSI. Additionally, I understand that the supports on offer through sanctuary scholarships should remain available to recipients throughout the duration of their course.

I would advise that any person who is experiencing financial hardship to engage with my Department's Community Welfare Service which may be able to offer support under the Supplementary Welfare Allowance scheme. I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.