‘It is devastating. Without a grant, I can’t afford course’

MICHELLE Mitchell’s chances of fulfilling her dream to study at third-level could be dashed unless a Government cutback is reversed.

The 47-year-old mother-of-two has applied for entry as a mature student to an arts degree in children’s studies at National University of Ireland Galway next autumn, in the hope of working with children with special needs.

Her sons Jonathan, 23, and Roland, whose 17th birthday is today, have special needs and she wants to give something back because of the help she has had from the state and the Brothers of Charity, whose services teach Roland. She receives a lone parent’s allowance and half a carer’s allowance, giving her around €15,000 a year income.