Student Universal Support Ireland

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 9 September 2020

Wednesday, 9 September 2020

Questions (59)

Martin Browne

Question:

59. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if his attention has been drawn to the anxiety the delay in the issuing of SUSI is causing to students approved for the 2020/2021 academic year; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that some students starting college on 14 September 2020 must wait until 9 October 2020 for their first payment and until the end of October 2020 for their second payment; if his attention has been further drawn to the need for students some of whom are lone parents to secure the grant as quickly as possible due to the outlay they are subject to at the beginning of each academic year; if he will request the prompt payment of the grant to these students ahead of the dates as mentioned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22658/20]

Written answers

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science

At the end of August, SUSI had received over 91,000 applications from students with over 67,500 students assessed as eligible for support for academic year 2020-21.

In line with previous years, SUSI’s payment schedule is updated to coincide with college start dates. In accordance with legislation, to receive payment, students must be registered with their college and the college must confirm their registration with SUSI.

SUSI consulted with colleges and found that for academic year 2020-21, the majority will open towards the end of September or the beginning of October. While SUSI is ready to pay maintenance grants to awarded students as soon as it is practical to do so, the first scheduled payment date for maintenance grants is October 9; this affords students the necessary time to register with their college and for colleges to then confirm their registration with SUSI.

To ensure students receive their first payment as soon as possible, SUSI will be making weekly payments from October 9. For the academic year 2020-21, the first payment will be made sooner after colleges commence than in previous years.

In order for students to receive the necessary supports when they return to education this autumn, four scheduled maintenance payments will be made before the end of December, with two payments scheduled to be made in October.

The Deputy will be aware of the recently announced €168m funding package for the return to education. This package includes a €10m access support package for higher education students. I have approved the allocation of €8.1m of this funding to top up the Student Assistance Fund.

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.