Student Assistance Fund

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 July 2018

Tuesday, 3 July 2018

Questions (150)

John Lahart

Question:

150. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to revert to the rates of the student assistance fund that were available in 2012 in view of the fact that the increases are not adequate to meet the needs of students; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that there are students in difficulty and in hardship as a result of this fund not reflecting the real cost of participating in higher education; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28863/18]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

The Student Assistance Fund (SAF) is managed by the Higher Education Authority on behalf of the Department of Education and Skills. The Fund is allocated annually to the universities, the institutes of technology, the colleges of education and a number of other higher education institutions.

The SAF is designed to support students in third-level institutions who are experiencing exceptional financial need. 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. Students can be assisted towards their rent, childcare costs, transport costs and books/class materials.

The fund was recently extended to part-time students following the allocation of an additional €1m in Budget 2017. The current SAF allocation for the 2017/18 academic year is €9.1 million. In 2016/2017 the SAF allocation was almost €8 million and there has been significant increases in SAF since 2014/2015 where the allocation was just over €6.5 million.