Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 1 October 2015
239. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills the funding provided to the student assistance fund for students attending third level who are experiencing hardship; to students with a disability who require additional resources to fully participate in university or college, in each year from 2010 to 2015; the number of students who benefitted; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33911/15]
View answerThe objective of the Student Assistance Fund is to assist students in a sensitive and compassionate manner who might otherwise, because of financial reasons, suffer severe hardship or be unable to continue their third-level studies.
The Fund for Students with Disabilities provides grants towards the provision of services, purchase of equipment and provision of academic supports for students with disabilities attending full time courses in Third Level Institutions and Post Leaving Certificate centres.
Both funds form part of the Third Level Access Fund which is managed by the National Access Office in the HEA.
Details of the funding provided and the beneficiaries from 2009/10 to 2015/16 are attached for the Deputy's convenience.
Student Assistance Fund
|
Year |
Number of Beneficiaries |
Total Funding Allocated |
|
2015/16 |
Not yet available |
€6.34m |
|
2014/15 |
Not yet available |
€6.6m |
|
2013/14 |
15,166 |
€8.35m |
|
2012/13 |
16,721 |
€11m |
|
2011/12 |
13,347 |
€9m |
|
2010/11 |
8,301 |
€5.012m |
|
2009/10 |
7,681 |
€5m |
Fund for Students with Disabilities
|
Year |
Number of Beneficiaries |
Total Funding Allocated |
|
2015/16 |
Not yet available |
€10.3m |
|
2014/15 |
10,011 |
€10.3m |
|
2013/14 |
8,809 |
€10.2m |
|
2012/13 |
7,897 |
€10.3m |
|
2011/12 |
6,849 |
€10.8m |
|
2010/11 |
6,097 |
€13.7m |
|
2009/10 |
4,964 |
€12.1m |
