Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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The Back to Education Allowance provides income support for jobseekers and others in receipt of certain social welfare payments who pursue courses of education at further and higher level. The focus of the scheme is to assist people to improve their qualifications and as a result improve their access to sustainable employment. The Government has provided €35.73 million for the scheme in 2024.

Under the Back to Education Allowance a qualified person can take up a full-time course of study leading to a recognised qualification subject to meeting the eligibility criteria of the scheme. The scheme covers participation in a wide range of education and upskilling courses and the Employment Personal Advisor works with the applicant to consider their options in line with their personal progression plan.

At the further education level, the course of study can include the Junior Certificate, the Leaving Certificate, Post Leaving Certificate courses and courses up to QQI level 6 provided through the Education Training Boards.

For higher education courses, jobseekers can be supported to take undergraduate courses up to honours degree level (QQI level 8). At the postgraduate level, Back to Education Allowance may be approved to undertake studies leading to a Higher Diploma (Level 8) in any discipline and the Professional Masters in Education (Level 9). The scheme does not generally support studies at masters level. There is a limited exemption for a person who is being admitted to the programme based solely on life experience where they hold no other third level qualification.

The Government's Springboard+ programme is an upskilling initiative in higher education. It offers courses at certificate, degree and masters level, leading to qualifications in areas where there are employment opportunities in the economy. Jobseekers can apply under the Back to Education Allowance to take part in full time Springboard+ funded programmes. In addition, jobseekers may be able to retain their payment under the Part Time Education Option when they take part in Part-Time Springboard programmes.

Any person seeking to return to education should engage with their local Intreo Centre to assess their options.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.