Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)

I support Senator McFadden's amendment. It is regrettable that people who have lost their jobs, or self-employed people who have lost their businesses, cannot avail of the back to education allowance if they have been in receipt of social welfare for less than six months. It is unreasonable that such persons must waste a year before they can participate in this scheme. I am aware of people, including hairdressers and other self-employed persons who have lost their businesses, who are in very difficult circumstances. The Minister should take on board this amendment.