Joan Collins
Question:529. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if there is any further education funding that a person (details supplied) can access. [59099/22]
View answerTuesday, 29 November 2022
Questions (529)
Written answers
I would suggest that the student you are referring to contacts the Access Office in the Higher Education Institution she is attending to see if she is eligible for supports under either or both of the Student Assistance Fund or the Fund for Students with Disabilities.
My department provides funding to publicly funded higher education institutions under the Student Assistance Fund (SAF). For the current academic year the total allocation is €17.1m. This total includes the additional €8m I secured under Budget 2023 as a cost of living measure. Students in third-level institutions experiencing exceptional financial need can apply for support under the 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 the cost of their rent, childcare, transport and books/class materials etc. 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.
The Fund for Students with Disabilities (FSD) which has an annual allocation from my department totalling €7.658m provides funding to higher education institutions to assist them in offering supports and services to eligible students with disabilities so that they can participate on an equal basis with their peers.