Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 February 2022
528. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the supports that are available for mature students who wish to study part-time on a course that is not covered by Springboard+; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6645/22]
View answerUnder the Student Grant Scheme, grant assistance is awarded to eligible students attending an approved full-time course at an approved institution. Part-time courses are not eligible for support under the scheme.
However, part-time students in third-level institutions experiencing exceptional financial need can apply for support under the Student Assistance Fund (SAF). The SAF provides financial assistance to students experiencing financial difficulties while attending third level. Students can be assisted towards costs such as rent, childcare costs, transport costs and books/class materials. Students on full or part-time courses leading to a higher education award (NQF level 6-10) in the universities, institutes of technology and other approved colleges can apply for the SAF.
The core allocation for the SAF is €9.1 million which includes €1 million which was added to the fund in 2017 for part-time students who are lone parents or members of the other access target groups. Prior to that the fund supported full-time students only. As part of the package of COVID19 supports for 2020 and 2021 the level of baseline core funding was doubled by providing an additional €8.1m in each of those two years. In addition to these increases I announced another additional funding of €1.3 million for the Student Assistance Fund last Thursday as I have listened to the voice of students, who have clearly articulated that COVID and the increased cost of living is having a major impact on the financial situation of students and their families. This additional funding means that a total of €18.5m has been made available to students who find themselves in financial need during the 2021/2022 academic year.
Eligible students may also qualify for assistance under the Fund for Students with Disabilities (FSD). The FSD is the principal funding source for students with disabilities in further and higher education. The purpose of the Fund is to provide funding to further and higher education institutions to assist them in offering supports and services to eligible students with disabilities, on full or part-time courses, so that they can participate on an equal basis with their peers. The FSD aims to support the personal, educational and professional development of the participating student and contribute to the achievement of their full potential. Eligible students can receive assistance from the FSD from further education level 5 up to doctoral level 10, and it can be applied for during any year of study.
Further information in relation to both the SAF and FSD is available from the Access Office in the higher education institution attended.
Also, tax relief at the standard rate of tax may be available in respect of tuition fees paid for approved courses at approved colleges of higher education, including approved undergraduate and postgraduate courses in EU Member States and in non-EU countries. Further information on this tax relief is available from the student’s local Tax Office or from the Revenue Commissioners website, www.revenue.ie .
In the context of a person re-educating, Springboard+ is a specific initiative that strategically targets funding of free part-time higher education courses to enable unemployed people, returners (formerly referred to as homemakers) and those in employment to upskill or reskill in areas where there are identified labour market skills shortages or employment opportunities. The courses, which are at Level 6 (Higher Certificate) to Level 9 (Master's Degree) on the National Framework of Qualifications, are being delivered in public and private higher education providers around the country. Further information may be obtained from the website springboardcourses.ie/
A very important commitment in the Programme for Government was the review of the Student Grant Scheme, this review will help shape decision-making on how we support students over the years to come. Following a procurement process, the review has been undertaken by Indecon Economic Consultants, under the guidance of a steering group which has included student and sectoral representatives.
There was significant public interest in the Review, with around 280 submissions. A very welcome feature of the process was engagement with students, and I understand that over 9,000 survey responses were received from students across the country. This strong element of public engagement, in addition to the economic work undertaken by the consultants, should provide a solid evidence basis for the recommendations of the review.
The draft report was submitted to me in late December 2021. Given the inter-connectivity between strategic student support issues and other reform priorities (e.g. the expansion of supports to part-time and blended learners as an enabler of lifelong learning or enhanced postgraduate supports as an enabler to equality, diversity and inclusion in the R&I system) it is now my intention to bring the report to Cabinet shortly alongside the Future Funding Model report.
