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Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 8 December 2021

Wednesday, 8 December 2021

Questions (106)

Rose Conway-Walsh

Question:

106. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the breakdown of the €105 million Covid-19 expenditure in 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60610/21]

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Written answers

In July I announced Government approval for €105 million for the third level sector to safely reopen in September 2021 in line with public health advice.

The package includes financial support for further and higher education to return on-site safely in line with public health advice and additional supports for students in further and higher education.

This funding will allow Higher Education Institutions and Education and Training Boards to safely and carefully maximise on-site provision of teaching, learning, research and other on-site activities. With thanks to efforts in the sector so far, we have seen approximately 400,000 learners return to on-site activity.

The funding package includes:

- €73m Support costs incurred by HEIs and ETBs in supporting dealing with challenges presented by the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic

- €2 Immediate and intensive promotional Campaign to maximise enrolments by

- International Students for 2021/2022.

- €21 million of this funding will be allocated to provide specific extra supports for students:

- an extra €3m for student mental health

- an extra €10m for the Student Assistance Fund which provides financial supports to students experiencing financial difficulties while in college

- and €8m for the Mitigating Educational Disadvantage Fund which supports and engages disadvantaged learners

In addition a €9million contingency fund was provided in supporting Covid-19 testing for students.

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