Clarification On Education Schemes Urgently Needed – Sherlock

CLARIFICATION on the qualifying criteria for Back to Education Allowance and third level grant assistance is urgently needed given that a number of people are falling foul of misinformation with regard to both schemes.

That’s according to Cork East Labour Party TD Sean Sherlock who said his office has been inundated in recent weeks with queries on the qualifying criteria for these schemes.

“There seems to be an awful lot of confusion amongst people wishing to return to education as to their entitlement to assistance. I am aware of four individuals who in the last week alone have been turned down because they already hold a degree qualification. Therefore, the new course they are pursuing is not seen as a progression in their education,

“Unfortunately, they were unaware of this before signing on for a course in the hope of that it would lead to employment. At a time when people are being encouraged to upskill, it is very important that sufficient information is in the public domain as to their entitlements to education assistance. This will ensure people are not left disappointed,” said Deputy Sherlock.