Aindrias Moynihan (Cork North-West, Fianna Fail)
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1826. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection to provide details of education-upskilling courses available under the back to education scheme; the measures being taken to expand the number of courses available under this payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42365/25]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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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 Government has provided almost €30 million for the scheme in 2025.

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 Department's 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 (QQI Level 8) in any discipline and the Professional Masters in Education (QQI Level 9). The scheme does not generally support studies at Masters level.

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.