Ulick Burke (Fine Gael)

I ask the Leader to arrange for the Minister for Social and Family Affairs to attend the House to debate the withdrawal of the back to education allowance scheme. Last year more than 3,600 people benefited from the scheme, but they are now unsure if they will be able to complete their studies. The withdrawal of the scheme is at variance with the express wishes of the Minister for Education and Science, who wants to reintroduce third level fees to allow the disadvantaged to participate. One Minister is withdrawing an allowance and the chance of participation by many of the disadvantaged, while another seeks to encourage it. I call for an urgent debate to avoid uncertainty for the many who have participated in the scheme and who will be unable to continue with their education.