Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 September 2023
1062. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will consider extending SUSI supports to lone parents participating in part-time courses to help offset childcare costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39722/23]
View answerThe Student Grant Scheme is currently targeted at full-time students. Courses that are part-time, less than two years in duration, undertaken online or as distance courses, or which lead to a special purpose or distance award, are not currently approved for the Student Grant Scheme.
The Springboard+ and HCI initiatives funded by my Department do offer a number of part-time courses which are free or heavily subsidised courses and the student assistance fund and fund for students with a disability are available for eligible part-time students.
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.
Through sectoral engagements, there is an increased recognition that supporting part-time, blended and postgraduate learning has the potential to transform access to learning in the medium term, once existing reform commitments are embedded within the sector.
That is why in the context of Budget 2024 my Department is currently considering options to provide greater support to part-time learners in higher education. The issue of expanding part-time delivery of third-level education in Ireland is complex and requires significant planning. Due to the level of complexity the creation of a pathfinder proposal is currently being developed by my Department.
The National Access Plan has called for more flexible forms of learning for target groups which would include lone parents and those who are socioeconomically disadvantaged. One of the key considerations for this year's budget is to reduce child poverty. We know that Education has the power to transform lives, lift people out of poverty and break down cycles of intergenerational poverty.
