Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)

My understanding of Government policy, which Deputy Haughey's previous answer would seem to indicate, is that we should give people as much chance as possible to go back to education and re-skill where necessary. In 2009, the scheme allowed that, all other things being equal, re-entry meant entering as a mature student following a break of at least one year. Under the 2010 rules, re-entry must follow a break of at least three years. This is forcing someone to stay out of the education system for an extra two years, all other things being equal. What is the logic behind it? Is it a cost saving measure? Was there a loophole somewhere that was enabling people who did not otherwise qualify to get in?

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