Aindrias Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

It is very important that any new funding scheme is going to support lifelong learning and that people who want to return to study later in life and who may have previously gained a qualification would not be excluded. They are excluded under the current model where applicants have to show progression. It is very important that a lifelong learning opportunity would be available with any funding model.

If there is a change of circumstances in somebody's household, the current system makes them have to go through a whole review and then take into account an appeal. That is very difficult in a household where they have seen a sudden drop in income over the last year. There should be some way of circumventing that when someone is making an application so they can identify a change in circumstances up front and not be delayed until November or maybe even January or February to do an appeal. These matters need to be looked at in any review. I would be pleased if the Minister could clarify the situation.

See this speech in context