Noel McCarthy (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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724. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if he is considering any changes to the back-to-education allowance to allow PhD students or those studying a course that is not under the EU Erasmus programme to receive a disability allowance payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3135/25]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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The Back to Education Allowance scheme provides people, including those in receipt of Disability Allowance, with a second chance education that will improve their prospects of securing employment. Over €29 million has been provided for the scheme in 2025.

The Back to Education Allowance is not intended to provide a basis for a long-duration participation in extended education. In limited cases, post-graduate courses can be supported under this scheme. However the scheme does not provide for PhD courses. The Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI) grant represents the primary support for persons pursuing education.

A person in receipt of Disability Allowance can pursue a PhD in Ireland outside of the Back to Education Allowance scheme. In this case, the first €20,000 of the stipend is disregarded for the means test for Disability Allowance. If the Deputy has a particular case, he should contact the Department for further clarity.

I trust that this clarifies the position for the Deputy