Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 8 June 2016
188. Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he can provide funding, apart from a grant from Student Universal Support Ireland, for a person who has secured a place on a master's degree course in September 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14530/16]
View answerStudents in third-level institutions experiencing exceptional financial need can apply for support under the Student Assistance Fund. This Fund assists students, in a sensitive and compassionate manner, who might otherwise be unable to continue their third level studies due to their financial circumstances. Details of this fund are available from the Access Office in the third level institution attended. Also, tax relief at the standard rate of tax may be claimed in respect of tuition fees paid for approved courses at approved colleges of higher education including approved postgraduate courses in EU Member States and in non-EU countries. Further information on this tax relief is available from the Revenue Commissioners. The Programme for Government contains a commitment to increase financial supports for post graduate students with a particular focus on those from low income households. The options for progressing this commitment are currently under consideration in my Department within the context of overall budgetary constraints.
