Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 November 2020
994. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will consider increasing the student assistance fund allocation by 20% to address the needs of students affected by Covid-19 income loss; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32973/20]
View answerThe 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 (SAF). This is an increase in this fund of 100%.
The remaining €1.9m funding will be allocated to support the most vulnerable students through the access services in the higher education institutions. Part-time students can access the ring-fenced €1m under the overall Student Assistance Fund for 2020/21 and can apply to their HEIs for the laptop scheme and well-being and mental health support.
The SAF assists students in a sensitive and compassionate manner, who might otherwise be unable to continue their third level studies due to their financial circumstances. Institutions have the autonomy to maximise the flexibility in the Student Assistance Fund to enable HEIs to support students during the COVID-19 situation. Details of this fund are available from the Access Office in the third level institution attended.
