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Student Assistance Fund

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 27 June 2013

Thursday, 27 June 2013

Questions (121)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

121. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education and Skills his views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding the student assistance fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31293/13]

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Written answers

The Student Assistance Fund is a component of the Third Level Access Measure which is managed on behalf of my Department by the Higher Education Authority. The Fund is administered on a local basis by participating higher education institutions and targets those students most in-need. The Fund has increased substantially in recent years, from €5m in 2010-11 to a core allocation of €8m in the most recent academic year (2012-13). During the year, the Higher Education Authority closely monitored local demand for the Fund around the country. Data collected from participating institutions showed a very substantial increase in demand for the Fund compared with the previous year, the outcome of which was a decision by my Department to allocate an additional €3m for 2012-13 as an exceptional measure, bringing the total allocation for the year to €11m. The Third Level Access Measure also provides for the Fund for Students with Disabilities. A decision will be taken by the HEA in due course in relation to the overall amounts to be allocated under each of the Funds for the forthcoming academic year. Notification to higher education institutions administering the Student Assistance Fund will take place as soon as possible thereafter to support forward planning by those institutions. The HEA will continue to consult with participating institutions on demand for the SAF at local level. The Deputy will appreciate that as the preparation of the Estimates for any Budget, including Budget 2014, is carried out on a strictly confidential basis, it would not be appropriate for me to comment on specific issues or proposals, including those relating to the Student Assistance Fund, in advance of the Budget announcement.

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