Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 1 February 2024
389. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 224 of 24 January 2023, if those students who did not receive the one-off third level support (details supplied) can be considered for a separate cost-of-living grant in recognition of their higher fees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4720/24]
View answerDuring the course of Budget 2024 negotiations, it was a priority for me to secure additional funding to increase supports available for students to help them with the cost of attending third level education.
As the Deputy will be aware, as part of Budget 2024 the Government agreed a range of measures to support households with the cost of living. For my Department I was pleased to secure additional one off funding to increase the allocations available to operate existing student support schemes available through my Department in academic year 2023/24.
These measures included a €1,000 reduction in the student contribution fee payable by higher education students that are eligible for the free fees initiative (FFI) in academic year 2023/24. Within the parameters referenced above, where funding was provided increase funding within existing schemes, it is not possible for funding under this cost of living measure to be made available to students that are not eligible for free fees.
While it was not possible to establish new funding supports as part of the cost of living measures, I was conscious that not all students are eligible to avail of free fees or other supports such as student grants. As part of the cost of living measures, I have provided additional funding for the Student Assistance Fund (SAF). Students who are experiencing financial difficulties may be eligible to apply to the Student Assistance Fund. This Fund provides financial support to full and part-time students who are experiencing financial difficulties while attending college and can provide assistance towards their rent, childcare costs, transport costs and books/class materials. Students with a previous higher education qualification at the same NFQ level, or who, in the past, attended higher education without ultimately obtaining a qualification, may be considered for support on a case-by-case basis and subject to available funding. Applications can be made to this Fund through the Access Office in the higher education institution attended.
