My son, a carpenter, aged 27, spent 3 years working in Australia and is home now for one year. He had difficulty getting Jobseekers allowance as he was away for over 2 years ( though saving Social Welfare pay outs )
but finally qualified. Now he wants to go to College and will qualify for Back to Education Allowance once he is back one year. But because he is not back 3 years he will not get his 1st 2 years college fees paid. He will get 3rd and 4th year paid as he will then be home 3 years !!!
Is there any point in appealing this 3 year rule ?
I find these rules hard to accept for Irish Citizens who have paid tax etc here and whose parents have done likewise.