Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 1 December 2022
126. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the steps that he is taking to provide supports for part-time students; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59805/22]
View answerAt present, the student grant scheme is targeted at full-time students. Courses that are part-time, less than two years in duration, are conducted online or as distance courses or which lead to a special purpose or distance award are not currently approved for the purposes of the Student Grant Scheme.
However, I have been consistent in my position that we need to develop our student support system over time to ensure that it supports more flexible forms of learning. This will particularly benefit more disadvantaged learners, as recognised in the National Access Plan.
With this in mind, the review of the Student Grant Scheme, which I published earlier this year contains a recommendation that the Government, over the long term, should consider extending supports to more flexible forms of learning including blended/online and part-time. The Review, however, noted the complexity of the issue at national and institutional level, as well as the potential for increased costs to arise, and identified the need for careful planning to take place.
Implementation of the review of the Student Grant scheme is being undertaken within the context of Funding the Future, which is the Government's overall response to future funding of higher education and student support.
I have established a steering group which I chair alongside Professor Anne Looney and Professor Tom Collins, which is supported by two working groups comprising representatives of institutions, students, trade unions and employer groups.
The working group focused on skills, participation and cost is currently examining the potential to support students to avail of more flexible learning opportunities.
I would expect that this working group will update me on their consideration of these and other relevant issues in the coming months. Having regard to this initial assessment, my Department will then examine whether there are areas where any early progress can be made during the course of 2023, particularly with respect to supporting disadvantaged and under-represented learners.
