Bernard Durkan
Question:251. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the correct level of pension payable in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10652/23]
View answerState Pensions
Questions (251)
Written answers
State pension contributory is payable, from age 66, to applicants who satisfy certain eligibility conditions based on the number of social insurance contributions (paid or credited) they hold over their working life. The records of my Department show that the person concerned has 223 paid social insurance contributions, which falls short of the required minimum of 520 paid contributions for entitlement to state pension contributory. If the person considers that additional contributions have not been recorded on their contribution record, it is open to them to forward any documentary evidence they hold to my Department and their record will be reviewed.
State pension non-contributory is a means-tested payment for people aged 66 and over, legally and habitually residing in the State, who do not qualify for a state pension contributory, or who only qualify for a reduced rate contributory pension based on their social insurance record.
The person concerned is in receipt of state pension non-contributory. Their assessed weekly means currently entitles them to a reduced-rate pension of €199.00 per week, together with a living alone increase (€22.00), telephone support allowance (€2.50) and a fuel allowance (€33.00) which is payable during the winter season.
The Deputy's representations will be taken as a request for a review to ensure the person concerned is in receipt of their correct pension entitlement. The person should complete and return a review questionnaire, which has been issued to them, together with any necessary supporting documentation. On receipt of the completed questionnaire, the person’s pension entitlement will be reviewed and they will be notified in writing of the outcome.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Social Welfare Benefits
Questions (252)
Paul Kehoe
Question:252. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Social Protection the status of the review of disability allowance means for a person (details supplied); when the payment will increase; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10654/23]
View answerWritten answers
I can confirm that the disability allowance (DA) section in my Department received correspondence on behalf of the person concerned on 10 November 2022.
On 27 February 2023, the person concerned was requested to supply supporting documentation required by the deciding officer in order to make a decision on his means.
On receipt of this additional information, his DA entitlement will be reviewed and the person concerned will be notified of the decision. As he has indicated that he reduced his working hours, and once the review team have confirmed the exact details, any increase due on his DA rate of payment would be backdated to November 2022 when his income reduced.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Citizens Information Services
Questions (253)
Ivana Bacik
Question:253. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will make a statement on her department's oversight role in relation to the Citizens Information Service. [10660/23]
View answerWritten answers
The Citizens Information Board (CIB) is a statutory body with an information, advice and advocacy role in relation to a wide range of public and social services. CIB lies under the aegis of my Department, which provides annual Exchequer funding to CIB to deliver on its statutory functions.
In line with the Code of Practice on the Governance of State Bodies, an Oversight Agreement and Performance Delivery Agreement, reviewed annually, are in place with CIB and the Department. Regular oversight meetings, financial monitoring and annual management meetings take place between CIB and the Department.
Section 7(1) of the Comhairle Act charges CIB with the provision of independent information, advice and advocacy services. This is to ensure that individuals receive impartial advice and access to accurate and comprehensive information relating to social services. This statutory independence is also to ensure that Government cannot unduly influence the information or advice offered by CIB, nor dictate how it should provide services.
The CIB provides funding and support to a total of 22 companies to deliver service on its behalf. The primary mechanism by which CIB provides oversight of these companies is through Service Level Agreements (SLAs). These SLAs set out a common understanding between CIB and the companies regarding how funds will be used. Funds are allocated to the companies on an annual basis based on the SLA.
In relation to your specific query, CIB provides funding and support to eight regional Citizens Information Services companies that operate a national network of Citizens Information Centres (CIC), which in turn provide information, advice and advocacy services in their respective geographic areas. Each CIS is a limited company overseen by a regional manager and board of directors. Each company is entirely responsible for all matters and decisions relating to its staff and operations.
Having said this, it is also important to recognise and protect the statutory independence of the Citizens Information Board and the separation between it and the eight independent regional Citizen Information Service (CIS) companies, which it funds, and which operate the national network of Citizens Information Centres on its behalf.
Any operational changes or decisions in the Citizens Information Service are therefore a matter for CIB and the independent boards. As Minister, I cannot direct CIS regarding operational decisions.
I trust this clarifies the matter.
Citizens Information Services
Questions (254)
Ivana Bacik
Question:254. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Social Protection if the independent review of volunteering in the Citizens Information Service has been completed; and when the report will be published. [10661/23]
View answerWritten answers
The Citizens Information Board (CIB) is the statutory body under the aegis of the Department of Social Protection (DSP), with responsibility for the Citizens Information Service (CIS). CIB provides funding to eight independent regional CIS companies that operate a national network of Citizens Information Centres. In September 2022, the CIB Board commissioned an independent review of the volunteer strategy of the CIS.
As Minister I absolutely recognise and value the important work carried out by volunteers and I have been very clear to CIB that it is important that the voluntary ethos of the CIS should be protected, and the skills of its volunteers should be utilised to the maximum extent possible.
To this end, an independent review of volunteering in the CIS is currently in train. The purpose of the review is to explore the role of the volunteer in the service, through extensive consultation and engagement with internal and external stakeholders, including current and past volunteers, CIS staff and agencies which receive referrals from the CIS.
Due to an extended level of consultation, the final report will be completed over the coming weeks and will be presented to the CIB Board for approval, followed by wider dissemination. The findings and recommendations of this review will directly inform CIB’s new three-year strategy 2023-2025 which is currently in development.
I trust this clarifies your query on this matter.
Public Services Card
Questions (255)
Claire Kerrane
Question:255. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will advise with regard to a person changing their name on their public services card; if she will advise on the current process of unofficially using a name for two years before the change can be made; if there are any avenues by which a person can expedite the process in certain cases (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10742/23]
View answerWritten answers
I can confirm that a person needs to attend one of my Department’s SAFE Registration Centres in person to have their name changed on their Public Services Card (PSC) as a new signature is required.
Under the Irish legal system, a person’s name is the name by which they are known, or which they commonly use.
For most people evidence of their name is most commonly provided and accepted in the form of a birth certificate, passport or driving licence, which may be supported by a marriage certificate in the case of a change of name on marriage.
Where a person has been issued with a PSC in their married name and wishes to revert to using their pre-marriage name, they should attend an office of this Department, bringing with them with their PSC.
Their pre-marriage surname will already be known to my Department, because the person will have already completed the SAFE registration process, using their married name.
A new signature will be required for their PSC.
In cases where a person wishes to change their name in circumstances other than this, they must show two years' usage of their new name.
To do this, they must submit at least two of the following documents, dating back at least two years: official communication with a Government Department, educational certificate, bank statement or card, utility bill, student or employee identification card (or similar).
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Social Welfare Eligibility
Questions (256)
Bernard Durkan
Question:256. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the continued entitlement, if any, for an appropriate social welfare payment in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10783/23]
View answerWritten answers
The person concerned is currently in receipt of Illness Benefit from my department. Illness Benefit is a short-term scheme for people who cannot work due to illness and who satisfy the pay related social insurance (PRSI) contribution conditions. It is paid for a maximum of 2 years or 624 payable days.
The person concerned is due to exhaust their entitlement to Illness Benefit from the 28 March 2023. A letter issued on the 28 December 2022 advising that their entitlement is due to end from this date and providing details of the options available to him when this transpires.
Invalidity Pension (IP) is payable to an insured person who satisfies certain Pay Related Social Insurance (PRSI) contribution conditions and who is permanently incapable of work due to an illness or incapacity and for no other reason.
Claimants must have at least 260 (5 years) paid PRSI contributions (class A, E, H or S) since entering social insurance and 48 contributions paid or credited in the last or second last complete contribution year before the relevant date of their Invalidity Pension claim.
The relevant date is:
(a) any date after the completion of one year of continuous incapacity for work, or
(b) any lesser period that may be prescribed, subject to the conditions and in the circumstances that may be prescribed
where the insured person has entered into a continuous period of incapacity for work and he or she is subsequently proved to be permanently incapable of work.
A qualifying condition for IP is that a person must be regarded as being permanently incapable of work. A person is regarded as being permanently incapable of work if;
For the period of 1 year immediately before the date of application the person had been continuously incapable of work and a Deciding Officer or an Appeals Officer is satisfied that the person is likely to continue to be incapable of work for at least another year,
OR
A Deciding Officer or an Appeals Officer is satisfied that the likelihood is that the person will be incapable of work for life.
To date there is no record of my department receiving a recent claim for IP from the person concerned. It would appear he fulfils the contribution conditions for IP, but eligibility for the payment can only be established on receipt of a completed application form. In this regard, he should submit an IP application form without delay and his entitlement can then be determined.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
Social Welfare Appeals
Questions (257)
Bernard Durkan
Question:257. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection if a review and appeal can be initiated in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10788/23]
View answerWritten answers
The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions in relation to social welfare entitlements.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that there is no record of any appeal by the person concerned having been received by that office.
In order to submit an appeal to the Social Welfare Appeals Office the following information is required;
name and address, Personal Public Service Number (PPSN), a copy of the decision being appealed and the grounds of appeal; that is a statement of all the facts and contentions that the person concerned intends to rely on in the appeal. Any documentary evidence submitted in support of the appeal should be enclosed along with the notice of appeal.
An appeal should be lodged within 21 days of notification of the decision under appeal. An appeal can be made via email to swappeals@welfare.ie or via post to the Social Welfare Appeals Office, D’Olier House, D’Olier Street, Dublin 2, D02 XY31.
A review of the Deciding Officer's decision can be requested by the person concerned by contacting the relevant office or section of the Department.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Social Welfare Eligibility
Questions (258)
Bernard Durkan
Question:258. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the extent to which rent supplement remains payable in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10794/23]
View answerWritten answers
Rent Supplement provides short-term income support to eligible people living in private rented accommodation whose means are insufficient to meet their accommodation costs and who do not have accommodation available to them from any other source. The scheme ensures that for those who were renting, but whose circumstances have changed due to temporary loss of employment, can continue to meet their rental commitments.
The responsibility for the provision of rent support to those with a long-term housing need has transferred from the Department of Social Protection to the local authorities. Persons with a long-term housing need should contact their local authority where information is available regarding suitable housing supports including the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP).
The person concerned has been in receipt of a Rent Supplement since 01/09/2007 and is currently receiving a payment of €370 per month. On several occasions the person has been asked to provide evidence of his application for a Housing Needs Assessment to Kildare County Council - the most recent request issued on 17/02/2023. To-date this information has not been provided. It is important that the person engages with his local authority and provides my Department with the necessary documentation to avoid any interruption to his Rent Supplement payment.
I trust this clarifies the matter.
Social Welfare Eligibility
Questions (259)
Seán Sherlock
Question:259. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Social Protection the current status of social welfare claims in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [10799/23]
View answerWritten answers
Carer's allowance is a means-tested social assistance payment made to a person who is habitually resident in the State and who is providing full-time care and attention to a child or an adult who has such a disability that as a result they require that level of care.
An application for Carer's allowance was received from the person concerned on 25 January 2023.
The application is currently being processed and once completed, the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome.
It should be noted that Fuel Allowance is not payable with Carer's Allowance. However, if another person in the home is in receipt of a qualifying social welfare payment, they may apply for same. Only one Fuel Allowance may be claimed per household.
For more information, please visit www.gov.ie/en/service/00aa38-fuel-allowance/ or email NationalFuelscheme@welfare.ie.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
Social Welfare Eligibility
Questions (260)
Seán Sherlock
Question:260. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will provide a status update on a carer’s allowance claim in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [10800/23]
View answerWritten answers
Carer's Allowance (CA) is a means-tested social assistance payment made to a person who is habitually resident in the State and who is providing full-time care and attention to a child or an adult who has such a disability that as a result they require that level of care.
An application for CA was received from the person concerned on 30 November 2022.
Further information was requested from the applicant on 8 December 2022 and a response was received by the Department on 22 December 2022.
Carer's Allowance was awarded to the person concerned on 8 February 2023, with effect from 9 February 2023 and the first payment and 1 week of arrears issued to the nominated bank account on 16 February 2023.
The person concerned was notified on 8 February 2023 of this decision, the reason for it and of their right of review and appeal.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
Social Welfare Eligibility
Questions (261)
Seán Sherlock
Question:261. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will provide a status update on a carer’s allowance claim in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [10801/23]
View answerWritten answers
Carer's Allowance (CA) is a means-tested social assistance payment made to a person who is habitually resident in the State and who is providing full-time care and attention to a child or an adult who has such a disability that as a result they require that level of care.
An application for CA was received from the person concerned on 30 November 2022.
It is a condition for receipt of CA that the person concerned must be providing full-time care and attention and it is a further condition that the person being cared for must require full-time care and attention for at least 12 months
The evidence submitted in support of this application was examined and the Deciding Officer (DO) decided that the evidence submitted did not indicate that either of these conditions was satisfied.
The person concerned was notified on 31 January 2023 of this decision, the reason for it and of the right of review and appeal.
To date, a request for review or appeal has not been received.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
Social Welfare Eligibility
Questions (262)
Seán Sherlock
Question:262. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will provide a status update on a carer’s allowance claim in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [10803/23]
View answerWritten answers
Carer's Allowance (CA) is a means-tested social assistance payment made to a person who is habitually resident in the State and who is providing full-time care and attention to a child or an adult who has such a disability that as a result they require that level of care.
An application for Carer's Allowance (CA) was received from the person concerned on 21 July 2022.
It is a condition for receipt of a Carer's Allowance (CA) that the person being cared for must have such a disability that as a result they require full-time care and attention.
This is defined as requiring from another person, continual supervision and frequent assistance throughout the day in connection with normal bodily functions or continual supervision in order to avoid danger to him or herself and likely to require that level of care for at least twelve months.
The evidence submitted in support of this application was examined and the deciding officer decided that this evidence did not indicate that the requirement for full-time care was satisfied.
The person concerned was notified on 29 August 2022 of this decision, the reason for it and of the right of review and/or appeal.
The person concerned requested a review of this decision on 27 October 2022; however, the decision remained unchanged.
The person concerned appealed this decision to the independent Social Welfare Appeals Office (SWAO) on 7 November 2022.
As a result of an appeals officer’s decision, Carer's Allowance (CA) was awarded to the person concerned on 1 February 2023 with effect from 21 July 2022. The first payment issued to the nominated bank account on 9 February 2023.
Arrears for the period 21 July 2022 to 8 February 2022 issued to the person concerned on 9 February 2023.
The person concerned was notified of the outcome on 1 February 2023.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
School Meals Programme
Questions (263)
Marc Ó Cathasaigh
Question:263. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Social Protection further to Parliamentary Question No. 74 of 29 November 2022, if the evaluation of the school meals programme is complete, including the funding rates made available in order to provide nutritious meals for children; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10813/23]
View answerWritten answers
The School Meals Programme provides funding towards the provision of food services to some 1,600 schools and organisations benefitting 260,000 children. The objective of the programme is to provide regular, nutritious food to children to support them in taking full advantage of the education provided to them. The programme is an important component of policies to encourage school attendance and extra educational achievement.
Budget 2023 has provided €94.4 million for the programme. The Government has recently approved an additional €14.5m to allow access to the Hot School Meals scheme for all remaining DEIS schools from September 2023.
I am committed to continuing to expand the school meals programme and in this regard I commissioned the evaluation of the school meals programme to be undertaken. The final report from the evaluation was recently received, and I am currently reviewing it. The evaluation reviewed all elements of the programme including the funding rates currently provided. This report will help to inform future decisions around this important programme.
I trust this clarifies the matter.
Equality Issues
Questions (264)
Martin Browne
Question:264. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he is aware that young LGBTQ people in Ireland are being targeted on social media with advertisements for conversion therapy; and the measures his Department plans to take to address the issue. [10812/23]
View answerWritten answers
The Programme for Government contains a commitment to legislate to ban conversion therapy. The National LGBTI Youth Strategy 2018 – 2020 and the National LGBTI+ Inclusion strategy 2019 – 2021 contain commitments in relation to conversion therapy. The LGBTI+ National Youth Strategy provides for the prohibition of “the promotion or practice of conversion therapy by health professionals in Ireland” and the National LGBTI+ Inclusion Strategy commits to investigating conversion therapy in Ireland and following up with appropriate counter measures.
The Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth commissioned research into the issue of conversion therapy. The multi-phased mixed-methodology research was carried out by Trinity College Dublin, School of Nursing and Midwifery, and is now complete. The research provides an insight into how conversion therapy practices operate in Ireland. It also includes an examination of the growing body of recent international research literature in the area. The findings of the research indicate that conversion therapy practices take place in Ireland, and has developed understanding of how these practices operate. It confirms the harm that is inflicted on those who experience such practices.
Given the potential complex and sensitive nature of the proposed legislation, the Government is carefully considering the underpinning policy matters to ensure that vulnerable members of society are protected from these harmful practices. Work on the plan to draft legislation is ongoing including the identification of the key legal issues including the promotion of conversion therapy practices, and is a priority for Government this year. It is planned that legislative proposals will be brought forward by the end of the year, informed by this research and international best practice.
International Protection
Questions (265)
Ivana Bacik
Question:265. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of accommodation centres that were not subject to inspection by officials from the International Protection Accommodation Service or a company (details supplied). [10658/23]
View answerWritten answers
Deputy, I can assure you that the health and wellbeing of all people who avail of accommodation provided by this Department is of the highest priority to myself and my officials.
International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) accommodation centres are currently subject to regular unannounced inspections both IPAS officials and by an independent inspectorate company (QTS Limited).
These inspections are generally undertaken, twice yearly by officials in IPAS and once yearly by QTS Limited. Any issues identified are notified to the contractor to be addressed immediately.
In terms of inspection of accommodation centres, work is being finalised on regulations underpinning the monitoring role that The Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) will assume in relation to permanent IPAS centres.
All properties selected under IPAS’ most recent tender process are required to be able to implement and adhere to the National Standards. This requirement applies to the provision of new centres and to any renewal of a contract with a current provider.
Emergency accommodation centres are not subject to inspections on a regular basis due to the nature of the contractual arrangement with them.
International Protection
Questions (266)
Ivana Bacik
Question:266. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of accommodation centres that were subject to inspection by officials from the International Protection Accommodation Service or a company (details supplied) and that failed the inspection process in each month of 2022 and to date in 2023, expressed as a figure and also as an overall proportion of registered centres at the time of inspection. [10659/23]
View answerWritten answers
Deputy, I can assure you that the health and wellbeing of all people who avail of accommodation provided by this Department is of the highest priority to myself and my officials.
International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) accommodation centres are currently subject to regular unannounced inspections both by IPAS officials and by an independent inspectorate company (QTS Limited).
These inspections are generally undertaken, twice yearly by officials in IPAS and once yearly by QTS Limited. Any issues identified are notified to the contractor to be addressed immediately.
In terms of inspection of accommodation centres, work is being finalised on regulations to give effect to the monitoring role being undertaken by the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) in relation to permanent IPAS centres.
All properties selected under IPAS’ most recent tender process are required to be able to implement and adhere to the National Standards. This requirement applies to the provision of new centres and to any renewal of a contract with a current provider.
Emergency accommodation centres are not subject to inspections on a regular basis due to the nature of the contractual arrangement with them.
International Protection
Questions (267)
Éamon Ó Cuív
Question:267. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the reason payments have not issued to an accommodation centre housing Ukrainian refugees (details supplied) for the months of November, December, January and February; when these payments will issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10740/23]
View answerWritten answers
My Department has engaged over 700 properties to provide accommodation for Ukrainian Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection. In line with the Department’s commitment to substantially clear the backlog at the end of 2022, I temporarily re-assigned staff from other parts of the Department in December, doubling the size of the payments unit. The enlarged team approved more than 100 million euros worth of payments.
My Department is prioritising maintaining a practice of more timely payments, including providing more resources to address any issues. Any delays in making payments are deeply regretted and my Department is according this issue very high priority.
I am advised by my officials as that payment in respect of Oct/Nov was made to this provider on 19th of January, 2023, while payment in respect of November (reconciliation) and December was made on 26th of January. Payments in respect of January and February are being processed and will be paid as soon as possible.
The delay in payment is due to the large volume of invoices being received by my Department. Additional resources have been assigned and the volume of payments is again steadily growing. My Department will continue to press on to eliminate the backlog while ensuring appropriate governance is in place to safeguard the proper spending of Exchequer funding.
International Protection
Questions (268)
Marc MacSharry
Question:268. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth when an accommodation provider for Ukrainian refugees (details supplied) who is experiencing financial difficulties will receive payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10779/23]
View answerWritten answers
My Department has engaged over 700 properties to provide accommodation for Ukrainian Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection. In line with the Department’s commitment to substantially clear the backlog at the end of 2022, I temporarily re-assigned staff from other parts of the Department in December, doubling the size of the payments unit. The enlarged team approved more than 100 million euros worth of payments.
My Department is prioritising maintaining a practice of more timely payments, including providing more resources to address any issues. Any delays in making payments are deeply regretted and my Department is according this issue very high priority.
I am advised by my officials that payments for the provider, as detailed by the Deputy, are in hand. My officials have engaged with the provider regarding the submission of appropriate invoices. These invoices have now been received and will be processed. Payments are expected to issue shortly once they have passed final checks.
International Protection
Questions (269)
Paul Murphy
Question:269. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will look into acquiring a disused school (details supplied) in County Tipperary for use in accommodating refugees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10802/23]
View answerWritten answers
Deputy, with regard to the use of a building in to accommodate asylum seekers, the Department has not received on offer in respect to the property outlined nor have the owners of the building in question offered it up for use at this time.
Should the owners of the building wish to offer it for use by my Department they can make contact with my officials at the following address: ipps@equality.gov.ie.
Third Level Fees
Questions (270)
Paul Kehoe
Question:270. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if students studying for a qualification (details supplied) qualify for the reduced fee contribution; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10683/23]
View answerWritten answers
As part of Budget 2023, I 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.
Postgraduate students 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 postgraduate study.
Students in publicly funded third-level institutions experiencing exceptional financial difficulty can apply for support under the Student Assistance Fund. As part of the cost-of-living measures announced in Budget 2023 an additional funding has been invested in the Student Assistance Fund for the current academic year 2022/23. 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. 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. Information on the fund is available through the Access Officer in the third level institution attended. This fund is administered on a confidential, discretionary basis. More information on the SAF is available at www.studentfinance.ie.
Tax relief on tuition fees may be available for students attending postgraduate courses. Details in relation to this relief are available on Revenue.ie.