Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 2 November 2021
583. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the extent of further assistance that might be available to a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52269/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person concerned applied for the Back to Education Allowance (BTEA) on 24/09/2021 to repeat year 4 of a third level course. The application was disallowed as the person concerned had previously been awarded BTEA for year 4 in the academic year 2020/21. A person can only receive approval on BTEA to repeat one academic year as a full-time student and only in limited circumstances. The person concerned had previously been awarded BTEA to repeat year 3 of his third level course in 2019/20.The BTEA is a non-statutory scheme, and therefore a person cannot appeal a decision to the Social Welfare Appeals Office. If the person concerned is not satisfied with the decision, he can request to have his case reviewed by an independent Deciding Officer. The person concerned should include any new facts or evidence in support of his case.I trust this clarifies the matter.
