Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 13 May 2021
362. Deputy Kieran O'Donnell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the range of supports available for persons attending third-level education, in particular for attending modular courses, as in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25222/21]
View answerThe principal support provided by my Department in financial terms is the Student Grant Scheme. Under the terms of the Grant Scheme, grant assistance is awarded to students attending an approved course in an approved institution who meet the prescribed conditions of funding, including those relating to nationality, residency, previous academic attainment and means. Courses that are part-time or that are less than two years in duration currently do not qualify. Any student 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 Office in the higher education institution attended.
