This may be the reason why we're all a bit confused on this (I've highlighted the pertinent statement).
'If you already have an undergraduate third-level qualification, (i.e., you already have a degree) your application for a Back to Education Allowance while pursuing post-graduate education will only be considered if you are doing certain courses.
There have been much changes in this area in the past few months. You should get in touch directly with the Back to Education Allowance Section at the Department of Social and Family Affairs to check the current position. As with other education courses, your Back to Education Allowance is not payable during the summer months.'
Then I found
this in the 'operating guidelines for the scheme (My highlights again):
'From 1 January 2003, the postgraduate option of the Back To Education Allowance is payable only to persons who wish to pursue a postgraduate course of study that leads to a Higher Diploma (H-Dip) qualification or to persons in pursuit of a Graduate Diploma in Education (Primary Teaching).
Other types of postgratuate qualifications are not recognised for BTEA purposes. Under no circumstances will the BTEA be awarded to a person who already holds a postgraduate qualification.'
Best ring the central section I'd say as individual local offices may not be up to speed on it, given their preoccupence with trying to clear JB/JA claims adn the fact that it's between academic years at the mo.