Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 28 June 2017
121. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to begin a phased restoration to 2012 rates of student assistance fund, SAF, to reflect the real costs attached to participation in higher level education here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30344/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra132. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding phased restoration of SAS; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30418/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 121 and 132 together.
In December 2012 An additional €3 million was approved to supplement the Student Assistance Fund (SAF) following a survey conducted by the HEA in relation to the demand for the Fund.
This supplementary funding was a once-off exceptional measure which was taken in the context of long grant delays/issues encountered by Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI) in its initial year of operation.
An additional allocation of €1.5m was secured in budget 2016 for the Student Assistance Fund. The allocation under the Fund in 2017 is €8.1 million.
