My friend is caught in a poverty trap
Regarding the curtailment of the back-to-education allowance, I would like to highlight the adverse impact of this cut on a friend of mine.
He applied for the allowance last year and was successful, following application for a degree course which was approved. After a family bereavement, he was forced to defer his college place until 2004-‘05. For the past year he has worked full-time on the minimum wage in order to make ends meet.
He sought better-paid work but was unsuccessful due to his lack of qualifications. Having reapplied for the back-to-education allowance for 2004-‘05, he has been refused because the new regulations require that applicants must be on social welfare for 15 months. He now finds himself in a poverty trap created by the Government.
My friend cannot find well-paid work because he is unqualified but, in seeking to gain qualifications, he is refused state financial assistance for the duration of his college course.
He cannot afford to support himself through college because he was unable to save while in a low-paid job.
The resurgent economy may benefit some people but, as usual, it leaves behind those most in need.
Catherine Forde
Carrigwell
Carrignavar
Co Cork
