Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 25 October 2017
137. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the way in which the issue of higher education grants can be resolved in order to ensure that all those wishing to avail of a third level education have the means to do so; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45256/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy will be aware that the proposals to develop a more sustainable funding model for the higher education system are contained in the Cassells report, currently being considered by the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Education and Skills. The Cassells report was referred to the Joint Committee in order to build political consensus around the most appropriate future funding model for higher education. I look forward to receiving the recommendations from the Joint Committee once they have concluded their consultation and engagement with relevant stakeholders.
With regard to your specific question on the student grant scheme, the student maintenance grant is a contribution towards the living costs of a student. It is not intended to cover the full costs of attending college. The student grant scheme does however, provide for different levels of maintenance support, depending on means. Grants are also provided at adjacent and non-adjacent rates. The higher non-adjacent rates are intended to provide additional support to those students who may be living away from home.
In 2017, my Department will invest almost €450m in access measures to assist students from under-represented groups to participate in and complete higher education. It is anticipated that the student grant scheme will benefit circa 80,000 students in 2017/18.
The Deputy will also be aware of the Action Plan for Education commitment to increase financial supports for postgraduate students with a particular focus on those from low income households. In response to this commitment, additional funding was secured in Budgets 2017 and 2018, to facilitate the reinstatement of full maintenance grants, from this September, for the most disadvantaged postgraduate students. This will benefit approximately 1,100 full-time post graduate students who meet the eligibility criteria for the special rate of maintenance grant.
Students in third-level institutions experiencing exceptional financial need can apply for support under the Student Assistance Fund. 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. Information on the fund is available through the Access Office in the third level institution attended. This fund is administered on a confidential, discretionary basis.
