There is a commitment in the programme for Government to expand eligibility for the back-to-education allowance. However, this allowance has been cut twice in the past two budgets. Will this commitment require legislation? If so, when can we expect to see it? There is also a commitment to examine the possibility of introducing legislation to allow the self-employed to be insured against unemployment or illness. What progress has been made on that legislation?

Extending eligibility for the back-to-education allowance would not require legislation, as it would be a budgetary matter. It can be considered in the context of the budget which will be announced this year arising from the adoption of the EU two-pack as proposed by the European Parliament. The Minister for Social Protection will keep under review the question of the self-employed being catered for in that context.