Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
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604. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if a decision has been made on a back to education appeal by a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52765/21]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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The Back to Education Allowance (BTEA) scheme is designed to support second chance education that allows persons in receipt of certain social welfare payments the opportunity to pursue a course of study, while still maintaining their income support, subject to satisfying a number of conditions. The conditions include progressing to a higher level of education than that already held by the applicant. This condition is not a requirement unique to this scheme as other State supports for education purposes are grounded on a student progressing.

An applicant who already holds a level 7 ordinary degree can only apply for the one year add-on honours degree course which may be in a different discipline. They are not eligible to receive BTEA for a new level 8 degree course. Where a Level 7 ordinary degree is held, progression to a level 8 higher diploma may be approved, as a higher diploma is normally awarded following completion of a programme of one year duration.

Overall, it is important to note that the purpose of the BTEA is to raise educational and skill levels so as to improve a welfare recipient’s employment prospects. Progression in education is an important condition of the support provided.

The Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI) Grant, payable by the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, represents the primary support for people pursuing third level education.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.