Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein)
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252. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the number of students studying MEd (details supplied) who are in receipt of the back to education allowance. [42481/19]

Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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The back to education allowance scheme (BTEA) provides people with a second chance education that will improve their prospects of securing employment.  It enables eligible people 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. 

The BTEA is not intended to provide a basis for a long-duration participation in extended education.  In this regard, it mirrors the approach to general education grants such as the Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI). 

 BTEA is not awarded for students looking to pursue the the Masters in Adult Community Education. The BTEA can be approved where the applicant intends to undertake studies leading to a Higher Diploma (H.Dip) in any discipline or the Professional Masters in Education.  The Professional Masters in Education differs from the Masters in Adult Community Education as it is required to qualify for a general teaching role, unlike the qualification referred to by the Deputy.  However, BTEA support may be awarded for a Master’s degree based solely on life experience where the applicant holds no other third level qualification. 

I trust this clarifies the position.