College still not affordable for thousands

THOUSANDS of people will still be unable to afford college places because of Government cuts despite a slight relaxation of eligibility criteria for one support scheme, the Union of Students in Ireland (USI) claims.

Social Protection Minister Éamon Ó Cuív has announced that social welfare recipients need only be getting support for nine rather than 12 months to qualify for the Back to Education Allowance (BTEA) for the upcoming college year, except those who have been receiving illness benefit for whom a two-year qualifying period will still apply.

The payment will also be available for the first time to those returning to a course or starting, rather than just those starting the first year of a study programme.