Supporting education - A wonderful opportunity

NO matter how miserable the weather, no matter how challenging our circumstances, there is always something to celebrate.

Today, figures that show nearly a doubling of the number of social welfare recipients returning to education are worth celebrating. The back-to-education allowance (BTEA) was used by 10,854 people at the end of 2008. It supported 20,418 people in their efforts to get new qualifications at the end of last year.

Such an increase — 88% — is admirable, but in light of the huge rise in unemployment are enough people availing of the opportunity? Are there enough places available on courses? After all, education will play a huge part in our eventual recovery.