Written Answers Nos. 493-513
493. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the reason that section 56 organisations were excluded from pay restoration (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48570/22]
View answer494. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the reason that Section 38 organisations were excluded from public sector pay agreements and pay restoration when re-designated Section 56 organisations (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48571/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 493 and 494 together.
Section 56(14) of the Child and Family Agency Act 2013 stipulates that 'an arrangement under this section shall not give rise to an employment relationship between a service provider, its employees or agents on the one hand and the Agency on the other'. Therefore, Section 56 agencies are ultimately responsible for the recruitment of their own employees, their remuneration and the terms and conditions of their employment.
I understand that an exception to the above arrangement is the matter of a limited number of Section 56 agencies who were previously Section 38 agencies and who employ a number of staff members with an entitlement to public sector pensions. I understand Tusla is aware of this issue and is carrying out a comprehensive assessment of the case for the small cohort of employees involved, and that Tusla is in discussion with the organisations concerned.
495. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will provide details with respect to a previous statement on Section 56 organisations (details supplied); the way that this criterion was developed; the person or body that was involved in developing same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48572/22]
View answerUnder Sections 56-59 of the Child Care Act, 2013 Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, funds service providers and Community and Voluntary sector bodies to deliver services on its behalf. The service providers operate independently of Tusla and are responsible for the recruitment of employees and the terms and conditions under which they are employed.
Section 39 agencies refers to organisations funded by the HSE under Section 39 of the Health Act 2004. As such, the Minister for Health is best placed to respond to questions in respect of pay restoration arrangements for these agencies.
497. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will provide an update on pledged accommodation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48577/22]
View answerSince the outbreak of the war in Ukraine on 24 February, and the invoking of the temporary protection Directive by the European Union shortly afterwards, my Department has worked intensively as part of the cross-governmental response to the Ukraine crisis.
The operational challenges brought about by responding to the conflict are significant. Our country has never experienced an influx of displaced persons like the one that we have seen over the past months.
My Department’s role is focused on the immediate, short-term accommodation needs of those who have fled here. To date, more than 50,000 people have arrived in Ireland and in excess of 39,000 of those have been referred to this Department seeking accommodation from the State.
Overseeing provision of accommodation on this scale during this timeframe for all those who require it remains immensely challenging. Due to the urgent need to source accommodation, a broad range of accommodation types have been contracted.
The priority is to place people fleeing the conflict in safe and secure accommodation.
The Government is committed to delivering a humanitarian response to welcome people seeking protection in Ireland as part of the European Union's overall response. The scale of response to this crisis has been unprecedented and Irish people have displayed an incredible level of generosity in their support and pledges of accommodation.
Pledges of accommodation made to the Irish Red Cross, whether for property vacant or shared, are disseminated geographically to Local Authorities and NGO implementing partners for activation. As the details supplied by the Deputy confirm, vacant pledges are assessed by the local authority. Shared pledges are invited to move forward through the Garda Vetting process which is coordinated by the Red Cross. This process can take some time dependent on the circumstances of the pledge and the requirements of the beneficiary.
I can inform the Deputy that the particular pledged accommodation to which he refers has been notified to the local authority in question with a view to having a beneficiary of international protection matched to that property.
I trust this information is of assistance.
498. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of domestic flights for work purposes taken by him, Ministers of State in his Department and Department staff for each of the years 2019 to 2021 and to date in 2022, in tabular form. [47915/22]
View answerNo domestic flights for work purposes were taken by myself, junior Ministers or Department staff since the formation of my Department.
499. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if supplementary welfare when paid in lieu of disability allowance while awaiting disability allowance should be disregarded for income when assessing an applicant's income. [47953/22]
View answerThe Student Grant Scheme is a critical financial support for students participating in further and higher education. As in any statutory scheme, a core principle of the scheme is that there is consistency of approach and an equitable treatment for applicants as part of the means assessment process. All applications are assessed nationally with reference to the terms and conditions of the relevant student grant scheme. The terms and conditions of funding are applied impartially to all applicants.
The Supplementary Welfare Allowance is not included in the list of income disregards for the purposes of the Student Grant Scheme as it is, generally speaking, a short term temporary payment made whilst awaiting a decision on an established/long term social welfare payment. As soon as a person goes on to an eligible payment e.g. disability allowance, this would be considered a change in circumstances (under the Student Grant Scheme -see details below).
Where the Supplementary Welfare Allowance is held for 15 consecutive calendar months, it is deemed an eligible long-term payment for the special rate of maintenance under the Student Grant Scheme. The Disability Allowance is also an eligible long term payment for the special rate of Student Grant and is an income disregard if it is being paid to the applicant.
I am not familiar with the particulars of this case however, students can determine their eligibility at susi.ie/eligibility/income/. The student may also wish to discuss his eligibility for SUSI assistance by calling the SUSI Support Desk on 0818 888 777.
As outlined above, a very important feature of the scheme that I would point to is the change of circumstances provision. If a student or party to their application experiences a change in circumstances that is not a temporary change and is likely to continue for the foreseeable future, they can apply to SUSI to have their application assessed under the change in circumstances provision of the relevant Student Grant Scheme. The income of all parties to the application will be assessed or reassessed on current income and applicants may also be asked to provide evidence of same.
The change of circumstances provision is a well-established procedure and it can also operate at scale. For example, over 10,000 applicants declared a change of circumstance in the 2020/21 academic year. I am confident that the application of this provision will continue to allow the scheme to be flexible and responsive to people's circumstances.
Apart from the Student Grant Scheme, students 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. Details of this fund are available from the Access Office in the third level institution attended. This fund is administered on a confidential, discretionary basis.
500. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will engage with third level institutions in Ireland to ensure that courses will be available in the training of theatre assistants; if he will also engage with hospital authorities to determine the best way of developing this role; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47962/22]
View answerThe matter of health workforce planning and ensuring an appropriate pipeline of qualified healthcare workers within Ireland, is a major priority for my Department. The Programme for Government commits the Department of Health to working with the education sectors, regulators, and professional bodies to improve the availability of health professionals and reform their training to support integrated care across the entire health service.
My officials are actively engaging with the Department of Health and other relevant stakeholders to ensure that we can continue to deliver graduates with the skills necessary to support our healthcare system and support the strategic workforce planning by the health sector.
501. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if engagement will be undertaken with third level institutions to implement monthly and quarterly payment plans for families that are struggling with the cost-of-living (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48016/22]
View answerAs part of Budget 2023 I have secured a significant cost of living package for third level students including a once-off €1,000 state financial support towards the undergraduate student contribution fee for higher education students eligible for my Department’s free fees schemes.
Under my Department’s Free Fees schemes the Exchequer provides funding toward the tuition fee costs of eligible undergraduate higher education students with students paying the student contribution. Undergraduate students eligible for SUSI supports have this contribution paid, in part of in full, on their behalf under my Departments Student Grant Scheme.
The once off €1,000 support relates specifically to the student contribution payable by student’s eligible for free tuition fees under the Department free fees schemes in academic year 22/23. It will reduce the student contribution payable from €3,000 to €2,000 in 22/23. This additional level of support towards free tuition fees will benefit c.94,000 additional students.
The reduction will be administered with the assistance of the Higher Education Institutions a student is attending. It is anticipated that students paying the student contribution in instalments will have the amount reduced from their next instalment by the HEI. Students who paid their 2022/23 student contribution in full will receive a refund or credit from the HEI attended. Officials are working with the HEA and the sector to finalise the details of this allocation and HEIs will communicate with students directly.
Furthermore I have been clear and consistent in stating that I believe the value of the student contribution share, as paid by students and families compared to the states contribution, is too high.
As part of Budget 2023, I made two changes to student contribution thresholds reduce the cost of education for students and families (for college year 2023/24):
- increased the income limit from €55,240 to €62,000 for students to avail of the 50% Undergraduate Student Contribution
- new support to the value of €500 for families on qualifying incomes earning between €62,000 and €100,000.
In considering the matter of the payment of the remaining €2,000 contribution for academic year 22/23, my Department has previously requested that higher education institutions put in place arrangements to facilitate the payment of the student contribution in instalments. The standard payment instalment option is of payment in two instalments and aligns with the two semesters of the academic year.
As autonomous bodies the institutions are responsible for implementation of policy and procedure in relation to the collection of the student contribution outside the general scheme of payment in two instalments. It is important to acknowledge that HEIs have to date shown enormous willingness to be responsive in numerous ways to student needs. I would encourage any student in need of assistance, including a need to access a payment instalment plan, to engage with their institution to discuss the range of options and supports available for their course, including fees.
Additionally, for any student experiencing difficulties currently, there is a significant allocation to the Student Assistance Fund (SAF). 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. This fund is administered on a confidential, discretionary basis and I would encourage students to contact their access office to avail of these funds.
Overall, the cost of living package, to take effect before the end of 2022, includes:
- A once-off €1,000 state financial support towards the undergraduate student contribution fee for higher education students eligible for the free fees initiative;
- A once-off reduction of up to 33% in the contribution fee for apprentices;
- A once-off extra payment for all student maintenance grant recipients;
- A once-off increase of €1,000 in the support to SUSI qualified Post Graduate students, increasing from €3,500 to €4,500;
- A further €8 million investment in the Student Assistance Fund for the 2022/23 academic year.
502. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the status of an appeal for a higher education grant in the case of a person (details supplied) who provided further information in respect of their mother's employment regarding the reduction of their hours; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48125/22]
View answerThe main support available to students is the statutory based Student Grant Scheme where students are studying for the first time or are progressing to study at a higher level. The decision on eligibility for a student grant is a matter, in the first instance, for the centralised student grant awarding authority SUSI (Student Universal Support Ireland) to determine.
With regard to the specific application, I have been advised by my officials that the student in question submitted an application to SUSI on 8th July 2022. The application proceeded through the assessment process and the reckonable income was found to be over the threshold for grant assistance. A change of circumstance was declared by the student. Further documentation was requested from the applicant on 15th and 30th August 2022. SUSI reviewed the application based on the projected 2022 income however the outcome had no impact on SUSI’S earlier decision.
As of 28th September 2022 no Notice of Appeal has been received from the student by SUSI.
Where an individual applicant has had an appeal turned down in writing by SUSI and remains of the view that the scheme has not been interpreted correctly in his/her case, an appeal may be submitted to the independent Student Grants Appeals Board within the required timeframe. Such appeals can be made by the appellant on line via www.studentgrantappeals.ie
However, article 32 of the Student Grant Scheme 2022 provides for a review of eligibility for the award of a grant in the event of a change of circumstances in the academic year. Where a student experiences a change of circumstances during the course of their studies, he/she may apply to SUSI to have his/her application re-assessed at helpdesk@SUSI.ie quoting Internal Review in the Subject line.
This Department also provides funding for the Student Assistance Fund (SAF). The fund is available in various publicly funded higher education institutions. The SAF provides financial assistance to students experiencing financial difficulties while attending third level. Students can be assisted towards their rent, childcare costs, transport costs and books/class materials.
The SAF is open to both full and part-time registered students on courses of not less than one year's duration leading to an undergraduate or postgraduate qualification. Further details of the fund is available from the Access Office in the higher education institution attended. Further information on the SAF is available at www.studentfinance.ie.
503. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if his attention has been drawn to an accreditation issue with a course (details supplied); and the plans that are in place to deal with this matter. [48188/22]
View answerRegulation is being introduced in the Social Care profession for the first time. Higher Education Institutions are at various stages of engagement with CORU.
I understand that ATU are engaging with CORU with a view to submitting an application.
At the beginning of September, my officials wrote to all providers of Social Care programmes, including ATU, asking that institutions communicate their position in relation to CORU accreditation to all students. Higher Education Institutes are responsible for communicating clearly and honestly with their students in relation to the accreditation status of any programmes they offer. CORU is an independent regulator of the health and social care professions. It is not within my remit to direct either body.
The Social Care Workers Register is due to open on the 30 November 2023. This will begin a 2 year transition period for existing practitioners to apply to register with CORU. On the 30th November 2025, the title 'Social Care Worker' will become a legally protected title in Ireland.
The Department of Health have advised my Department that to join the register existing professionals and current students will either need to:
1. have undertaken an approved education programme, or
2. to have obtained 2 years of professional practice in the 5-year period prior to 30 November 2025, in addition to passing a competency test.
Further information in relation to these “grand-parenting” provisions for existing practitioners, should be sought from the Department of Health or CORU directly, as these matters are not within the remit or responsibility of the Minister or the Department, and as such cannot intervene with the work of an independent regulator
My officials are continuing to engage with the Department of Health on these issues.
504. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will extend the €1,000 rebate for undergraduate students to those studying at masters and postgraduate level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48199/22]
View answerAs part of Budget 2023 I have secured a significant cost of living package for third level students.
As part of the cost of living measures in Budget 2023, postgraduate Students who meet the eligibility criteria for a Postgraduate Fee Contribution Grant will receive a once-off increase of €1,000 in the grant, which is increasing from €3,500 to €4,500 and is due to be paid by the end of 2022. This measure excludes postgraduate students who receive the Special Rate of grant as they have their tuition fee contribution paid up to €6,270. For these postgraduate students, they will receive the once-off extra maintenance payment for all student maintenance grant recipients, also to be paid by the end of 2022. Full time PhD student funded through an award by IRC or SFI will receive a once off increase in their stipend of €500.
Students can determine their eligibility for the Grant at susi.ie/eligibility/income/. This provides grant assistance to students pursuing 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.
For postgraduate students experiencing difficulties currently, there is a significant allocation to the Student Assistance Fund (SAF). 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. This fund is administered on a confidential, discretionary basis and I would encourage students to contact their access office to avail of these funds.
Overall, the cost of living package, to take effect before the end of 2022, will include:
- A once-off €1,000 state financial support towards the undergraduate student contribution fee for higher education students eligible for the free fees initiative;
- A once-off reduction of up to 33% in the contribution fee for apprentices;
- A once-off extra payment for all student maintenance grant recipients;
- A once-off increase of €1,000 in the support to SUSI qualified Post Graduate students, increasing from €3,500 to €4,500;
- A further €8 million investment in the Student Assistance Fund for the 2022/23 academic year;
The state financial support of €1,000 in the student contribution relates to my Department’s Free Fees schemes where the Exchequer provides funding toward the tuition fee costs of eligible Irish and EU undergraduate higher education students who are pursuing an approved course of study at an approved higher education institution. All students eligible for the free fees schemes receive state support whereby the State pays the cost of tuition fees exclusive of the student contribution (currently €3,000 per annum).
Students attending postgraduate courses are not eligible for the free fees schemes and pay tuition fees as determined by the institution attended. Therefore the once off student contribution reduction of €1,000 in 22/23 cannot apply to students undertaking a course of postgraduate study. Higher Education Institutions are autonomous institutions and therefore it is a matter for individual institutions to determine the rate of tuition fees for postgraduate academic programmes.
505. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of social workers that graduated from respectively third level colleges in 2020 and 2021, in tabular form. [48249/22]
View answerThe data requested by the Deputy has been obtained from the Student Records System of the HEA and includes the number of graduates from CORU approved Social Work programmes in 2020 and 2021.
Number of graduates from CORU approved Social Work programmes
|
Award Type |
2020 |
2021 |
|
Honours Degrees |
53 |
57 |
|
Taught Masters |
126 |
129 |
|
Total |
179 |
227 |
506. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his plans to ensure that those undertaking doctorates in educational psychology are funded during their studies. [48320/22]
View answerThe main support available to students is the statutory based Student Grant Scheme administered by SUSI. The Student Grant Scheme supports eligible postgraduate students with the cost of attending higher education.
Apart from the student grant a number of supports are available to assist postgraduate research students in their studies. This includes a range of grants from research funders, institutional scholarships, as well as supports through Student Assistance Fund. Research students in receipt of grants must comply with the terms of their funding award from these bodies, which can vary from funder to funder.
My Department understands there is a long-standing arrangement in place under which the HSE recruit Trainee Clinical Psychologists and sponsor their training in order to encourage employment with the HSE of suitably qualified professionals. This arrangement is made by the HSE and is not the responsibility of my Department. The question of whether similar arrangements should be put in place in relation to other psychological specialities in order to meet their workforce needs is a matter for consideration by the appropriate recruiting bodies.
Issues arising from sponsorships and employment eligibility in relation to psychologists, and indeed more generally, are matters for relevant employers rather than the responsibility of my Department.
507. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the way that the €1,000 reduction in student fees that was announced in Budget 2023 is being applied; the way that students can avail of the reduction; if the reduction is for the 2022-2023 academic year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48345/22]
View answerAs part of Budget 2023 I have secured a significant cost of living package for third level students including a once-off €1,000 state financial support towards the undergraduate student contribution fee for higher education students eligible for my Department’s free fees schemes.
Under my Department’s Free Fees schemes the Exchequer provides funding toward the tuition fee costs of eligible undergraduate higher education students with students paying the student contribution. Undergraduate students eligible for SUSI supports have this contribution paid, in part of in full, on their behalf under my Departments Student Grant Scheme.
The once off €1,000 support relates specifically to the student contribution payable by student’s eligible for free tuition fees under the Department free fees schemes in academic year 22/23. It will reduce the student contribution payable from €3,000 to €2,000 in 22/23. This additional level of support towards free tuition fees will benefit c.94,000 additional students.
The reduction will be administered with the assistance of the Higher Education Institutions a student is attending. It is anticipated that students paying the student contribution in instalments will have the amount reduced from their next instalment by the HEI. Students who paid their 2022/23 student contribution in full will receive a refund or credit from the HEI attended. Officials are working with the HEA and the sector to finalise the details of this allocation and HEIs will communicate with students directly.
Furthermore I have been clear and consistent in stating that I believe the value of the student contribution share, as paid by students and families compared to the states contribution, is too high.
As part of Budget 2023, I made two changes to student contribution thresholds reduce the cost of education for students and families (for college year 2023/24):
- increased the income limit from €55,240 to €62,000 for students to avail of the 50% Undergraduate Student Contribution;
- new support to the value of €500 for families on qualifying incomes earning between €62,000 and €100,000.
In considering the matter of the payment of the remaining €2,000 contribution for academic year 22/23, my Department has previously requested that higher education institutions put in place arrangements to facilitate the payment of the student contribution in instalments. The standard payment instalment option is of payment in two instalments and aligns with the two semesters of the academic year.
As autonomous bodies the institutions are responsible for implementation of policy and procedure in relation to the collection of the student contribution outside the general scheme of payment in two instalments. It is important to acknowledge that HEIs have to date shown enormous willingness to be responsive in numerous ways to student needs. I would encourage any student in need of assistance, including a need to access a payment instalment plan, to engage with their institution to discuss the range of options and supports available for their course, including fees.
Additionally, for any student experiencing difficulties currently, there is a significant allocation to the Student Assistance Fund (SAF). 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. This fund is administered on a confidential, discretionary basis and I would encourage students to contact their access office to avail of these funds.
Overall, the cost of living package, to take effect before the end of 2022, includes:
- A once-off €1,000 state financial support towards the undergraduate student contribution fee for higher education students eligible for the free fees initiative;
- A once-off reduction of up to 33% in the contribution fee for apprentices;
- A once-off extra payment for all student maintenance grant recipients;
- A once-off increase of €1,000 in the support to SUSI qualified Post Graduate students, increasing from €3,500 to €4,500;
- A further €8 million investment in the Student Assistance Fund for the 2022/23 academic year.
508. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will outline the PhD stipend increase outlined in Budget 2023; if it is a one-off payment or if it is a monthly rise; the way that students can avail of same; the date that they can claim it from; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48346/22]
View answerI was pleased to be able to allocate a once off payment of €500 in 2022 to PhD students currently supported by Science Foundation Ireland and the Irish Research Council, and an increase of €500 to the stipend baseline of €18,500 for 2023 for PhD students currently supported by Science Foundation Ireland and the Irish Research Council. Both agencies will make arrangements with higher education institutions for the increase to be paid to students funded through their awards.
509. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if the Budget 2023 announcement of a €500 stipend increase to PhD students under Science Foundation Ireland and the Irish Research Council funding will be extended to include all PHD students; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48347/22]
View answer519. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if the €500 increase in stipends for PhD students announced in Budget 2023 will apply to all PhD students working in Irish universities and not just to students funded by Science Foundation Ireland and the Irish Research Council; if the increased stipend will be made available to students who receive their funding directly from their university; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48498/22]
View answer520. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if the €500 stipend increase to students completing their PhDs under Science Foundation Ireland and the Irish Research Council will be available to those PhD candidates working in Irish universities who have other sources of funding such as direct funding from the university itself; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48507/22]
View answer524. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if PhD students who receive their funding from the university itself will receive the €500 stipend increase announced in Budget 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48620/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 509, 519, 520 and 524 together.
Many PhD students receive stipends which are supported by Science Foundation Ireland and the Irish Research Council, both bodies under the aegis of my Department. However, PhD students may self-fund, or receive support from either their higher education institution or some other body - including private funders. Higher education institutions are autonomous institutions as provided for in legislation and on that basis the management of academic affairs, including the criteria governing the level of stipends paid to PhD students, is solely a matter for the relevant institution to determine in line with its own criteria.
With that in view, as an immediate and tangible relief against the challenges of the rising cost of living, in this Budget I am introducing:
- a once off payment in 2022 of €500 for PhD students who receive an IRC or SFI award.
- a €500 increase to the stipend baseline in 2023 for PhD students who receive an IRC or SFI award.
PhD students recipients may also, in certain circumstances, qualify for support from SUSI.
I should add that I am considering commencing a review of current PhD training provision, including supports for students such as stipends. I have asked my Department to set out a scope for such a review, building on previous work in this area and with a view to framing practical actions that can be implemented within the resources available and competing needs.
510. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the status of a student grant appeal by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48351/22]
View answerThe decision on eligibility for a student grant is a matter, in the first instance, for the centralised student grant awarding authority SUSI (Student Universal Support Ireland) to determine.
Where an individual applicant has had an appeal turned down in writing by SUSI and remains of the view that the scheme has not been interpreted correctly in his/her case, an appeal may be submitted to the independent Student Grants Appeals Board within the required timeframe. Such appeals can be made by the appellant on line via www.studentgrantappeals.ie.
With regard to the specific application, I have been advised by my officials that the student in question has submitted an appeal to the independent Student Grant Appeals Board which is due to be considered by 18th November 2022.
511. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will ensure that the once-off €1,000 reduction in the student contribution fees for higher education students is applied to students studying outside this State, such as Northern Ireland and Britain; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48383/22]
View answerAs part of Budget 2023 I have secured a significant cost of living package for third level students including a once-off €1,000 State financial support towards the undergraduate student contribution fee for higher education students eligible for my Department’s free fees schemes.
Students attending courses outside the State are not eligible for the free fees schemes and therefore the once off student contribution support of €1,000 in 22/23 cannot apply to students undertaking study in other jurisdictions.
The main support available to assist students with the cost of higher education is the Student Grant Scheme. The Student Grant Scheme, administered by SUSI, provides grant assistance to students pursuing 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. Students attending courses abroad can determine their eligibility for available supports at susi.ie/eligibility/income/.
512. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the details of the distribution of the SUSI grants by socio-economic group; the distribution of such grants between urban and rural applicants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48389/22]
View answerThe information requested by the Deputy is not available as SUSI do not collate information by socioeconomic group or the distribution of such grants between rural and urban applicants.
513. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will provide details in relation to the way that he ensures that SUSI grants go to genuinely deserving applicants and that the system is transparent and fair; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48390/22]
View answerThe Student Grant Scheme, administered by SUSI, provides grant assistance 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.
The report of the Action Group on Access to Third Level Education made detailed recommendations concerning the introduction of special rates of maintenance grants for disadvantaged students. The target group of "those most in need" was defined in terms of the dependents of people receiving long-term welfare payments, where the necessary conditions are fulfilled.
Accordingly, to effectively target this cohort, the income limit for the special rate of grant is aligned to the maximum point of the weekly State Contributory Pension plus the maximum Qualified Adult Allowance for a person over 66 years.
In assessing an application for the 2022/23 academic year, SUSI will have regard to the following qualifying criteria for the special rate of maintenance grant:
1. The student must qualify for the standard rate of grant;
2. Total gross reckonable income for the 2021 tax year, after income disregards and Child Dependent Increase(s) are excluded, must not exceed €24,500;
3. As at 31st December 2021, the reckonable income must include one of the eligible long-term social welfare payments prescribed in Schedule 2 of the Student Grant Scheme 2022.
Following on from a €200 increase to all grant rates in Budget 2022, I announced further increases as part of the Cost of Living and Budget measures in Budget 2023.
As part of the Government's cost of living measures, every SUSI maintenance grant recipient, including those on the special rate, will receive an additional once-off payment equivalent to one month’s maintenance to be paid by the end of December 2022.
Effective from January 2023, the special rate and Band 1 rate of maintenance will increase by 14% and all other maintenance grant rates will increase by 10%. Students in the current academic year will see their grant payments increase proportionately once this measure comes into effect from January 2023. The revised grant for the Academic year 2023/24 for the special rate non-adjacent will then rise to €6,971 and for the special rate adjacent will rise to €2,936.
In addition for the 2022/2023 Academic Year a further €8 million of funding has been secured for the Student Assistance Fund for the current academic year. Students in third-level institutions experiencing exceptional financial need can apply for support under the Student Assistance Fund (SAF). The Fund provides financial support to students who are experiencing financial difficulties while attending college. Students can apply for SAF to help with either temporary or ongoing financial difficulties and can be assisted towards their rent, childcare costs, transport costs and books/class materials. It is open to both full and part-time registered students on courses of not less than one year's duration leading to an undergraduate or postgraduate qualification. It is designed to provide a source of financial support in addition to a SUSI grant.
Applications can be made under the Student Assistance Fund (SAF) through the Access Office in the third level institution you are attending. They will have more information concerning their own HEI. More information on this fund and other supports are also available at www.studentfinance.ie.
