Carol Nolan
Ceist:236. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the estimated cost of providing maintenance grants to postgraduate students; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17809/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 11 April 2017
Ceisteanna (236)
Freagraí scríofa
I secured additional funding in Budget 2017 to facilitate the reinstatement of full maintenance grants from September 2017, for the most disadvantaged postgraduate students. This will benefit approximately 1,100 post graduate students who meet the eligibility criteria for the special rate of maintenance grant. It reverses the budgetary cut that was imposed on this cohort of students in 2012.
This change is consistent with the Programme for Government and Action Plan for Education commitment, to increase financial supports for post graduate students with a particular focus on those from low income households.
If postgraduate supports were returned to the pre-2012 level and numbers, it is estimated that additional funding of €45m would be required.