Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 9 September 2021
840. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the breakdown of the estimated €10 million (details supplied) current spending related to implementing the new direct provision system; the number of budgetary cycles the spending will be take place over; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42432/21]
View answerIn relation to English Language Provision Phase 1, the €8.5m costing was based on projected numbers as set out on the White Paper for the provision of intensive English Language supports being available to participants for a 6 month period. The cost of these intensive supports are based on costs of the Refugee Resettlement programme, which offers up to 20 hours English language provision per week in the first year of settlement. In relation to the English Language Provision Phase 2, the €1.5m refers to the cost of expanding the relevant programmes provided through the further education system to accommodate the projected numbers participating for a further 12 months.
In relation to the Student Support scheme anticipated spending, this costing of €300,000 was based on anticipated expenditure for the 2021 scheme in academic year 2021/22. The actual expenditure for the 2020 scheme (academic year 2020/21) was €253,038. The funding provided to each successful applicant consists of maintenance and fees with qualification criteria similar to the statutory based Student Grant Scheme (SUSI).
