Donna McGettigan (Clare, Sinn Fein)
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1433. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the estimated cost to allow part-time workers or learners to avail of the back to education payments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19766/25]

Donna McGettigan (Clare, Sinn Fein)
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1434. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the estimated cost to increase the back to education rates by 10%; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19771/25]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 1433 and 1434 together.

The Back to Education Allowance provides income support for jobseekers and others in receipt of certain social welfare payments who pursue full time courses 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 from social welfare to sustainable employment. The Government has provided over €29 million for the scheme in 2025.

The rate for the Back to Education Allowance is based on the payment rate of the qualifying underlying payment, such as Jobseeker's Allowance. A 10% increase on the 2025 provision for the Back to Education Allowance scheme would increase the cost by over €2.9 million.

Where a person receiving a Jobseeker's payment is interested in undertaking a part-time course, they may retain their Jobseeker's payment, provided that they continue to satisfy the conditions of being available for and genuinely seeking full time employment.

Any person in receipt of a jobseeker's payment seeking to return to education should engage with their local Intreo Centre to assess their options.

The primary financial support scheme for students in Ireland is the SUSI grant under the remit of the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.