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Student Universal Support Ireland

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 9 September 2020

Wednesday, 9 September 2020

Questions (41)

Rose Conway-Walsh

Question:

41. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his views on whether the current thresholds for SUSI grant eligibility are set at an appropriate level to provide real equality of access to third level education; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22245/20]

View answer

Written answers

In 2020, my Department will spend over €400m on access measures for students. This includes circa €350m on student grants and related activities, which is expected to benefit over 70,000 further and higher education students

I recently announced details of a €168m funding package for the return to education. This includes €15m in IT equipment grants for disadvantaged students in further and higher education and a €10m access support package for higher education students. An additional €3m has also been provided for investment in supports for mental health services and well-being initiatives.

The Student Grant Scheme contains a number of qualifying thresholds for various grant values. These gradations allow students just over a threshold margin, to remain in receipt of a grant, albeit at a reduced rate that reflects their relative income vis-à-vis other applicants.

The scheme provides for different levels of income thresholds where families have (i) less than 4 dependent children (ii) between 4 and 7 dependent children and (iii) 8 or more dependent children. In recognition of the additional cost to families where more than one person is attending college, income thresholds may also be increased by up to €4,830 for each additional family member attending college at the same time. In this way, the Student Grant Scheme is responsive to the individual circumstances of particular families.

With regard to the income threshold for the special rate of grant, this is adjusted in line with Budget increases to the State Contributory Pension plus the maximum Qualified Adult Allowance for a person over 66 years. For 2020, the threshold has been increased from €24,000 to €24,500. Last year over 21,000 students received the special rate of grant and it is anticipated that a similar number will qualify for supports in 2020.

Students 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. Information on the fund is available through the Access Officer in the third level institution attended. This fund is administered on a confidential, discretionary basis.

The Programme for Government contains an important commitment to review SUSI eligibility and I fully intend to fulfil this commitment so as to promote access to third level, particularly amongst families with low incomes and communities that are under-represented.

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