Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:565. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection if any funding assistance can be offered to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32141/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraWednesday, 6 May 2026
Ceisteanna (565)
Freagraí scríofa
My Department administers the Back to Education Allowance, which provides income support for jobseekers and others in receipt of qualifying payments who take full-time courses of education at Further or Higher level. The focus of the scheme is to assist people improve their qualifications and as a result improve their access to sustainable employment.
For context, there are two study options under the Back to Education Allowance:
• The Further Level Education option which enables study to be undertaken provided it leads to an award from Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) up to and including level 6.
• The Higher-Level Education option enables study to be undertaken to an award at QQI up to and including level 8 and in limited circumstances to include postgraduate study (Level 9).
In order to be eligible for support under the Back to Education Allowance, the course of study being pursued must be a full-time day course and lead to a qualification that is:
• recognised by the Department of Further Education, Research, Innovation and Science (DFHERIS); or
• awarded by the Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI)
The course that the person is undertaking with the Atlantic Flight Training Academy is not QQI accredited and does not lead to a qualification that is recognized by DFHERIS. Therefore, it is not eligible for support under the Back to Education Allowance scheme.
The Higher Education Authority have information about alternative sources of funding that may be appropriate, including Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI).
I trust this clarifies the matter.