Protest at the Dáil over Back to Education cuts

Third level students have held a demonstration outside the Dáil over proposed cuts in the Back to Education Allowance.

It comes after the Minister for Social Community and Family affairs Mary Coughlan announced changes to the scheme.

New conditions to be imposed by the Minister will mean that people who've been out of work for less than 15 months won't be entitled to avail of the scheme.

Gareth Keogh from the Union of Students of Ireland says the move is outrageous, and would drive poorer students out of education, and deprive people of the chance to upgrade their skills.