Thomas Pringle (Donegal, Independent)
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161. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the estimated cost of increasing the jobseeker's allowance for those young persons under 25 years of age who are currently on the weekly rate of €112.70 by €45.15 per week to €157.85; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30114/21]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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The estimated full year cost of increasing the Jobseekers Allowance rate of €112.70 by €45.15 to €157.85 for recipients aged under 25 years is €33.8 million.  

It should be noted that this cost is subject to change in the context of emerging trends and associated revision of the estimated numbers of recipients.

Thomas Pringle (Donegal, Independent)
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162. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the number of young persons under 25 years of age on the back to education allowance scheme in January 2020 and January 2021; the funding allocated to support young persons under 25 on the scheme in 2020 and 2021; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30117/21]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, 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 education and to continue to receive income support for the duration of a course of study. The main focus of the BTEA is to assist qualifying applicants to improve their educational qualifications and improve their prospects of gaining employment. 

There were 7,300 students in the 2019/2020 academic year pursuing education while supported with a weekly BTEA allowance, of which 1,500 or 20% are under the age of 25.  There are approximately 6,400 students supported through the BTEA for the 2020/2021 academic year, of which 1,500 or 24% are under the age of 25.

Government has provided €96.5 million for BTEA in 2021, increased from €57m in 2020. Funding for the scheme is not apportioned for those specifically under 25 years.  This represents a considerable investment in supporting unemployed individuals, including those under the age of 25, to acquire the necessary education and skills to re-enter the labour market.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.