Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 9 September 2020
40. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the way in which the continuation of the full €3,000 student contribution fees can be justified in the context of the Covid-19 crisis, the loss of income for many students and their families and in view of the fact that much third-level education will be provided virtually. [22512/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Department’s free fees schemes, the Exchequer provides funding toward the tuition fee costs of eligible undergraduate Higher Education students with students paying the student contribution.
The student contribution fee is currently set at €3,000 per annum and can be paid in instalments. The State pays the contribution in full or part for an estimated 44 per cent of all students eligible for free fees funding through SUSI.
The Programme for Government undertakes to provide a long term sustainable funding model for higher education. In addition, I intend that the range of student supports operated by SUSI will be subject to a full review. An important objective will be to ensure access to and continued participation in higher education by students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
In relation to the preparation underway for the new academic year in the context of the Covid pandemic, Higher Education Institutions have been undertaking detailed planning and contingencies for re-opening and communicating these to students and learners. In the interest of the public health of students, staff and communities, this will entail blended learning, combining both online and onsite provision.
Higher Education Institutions have published their academic calendars, with information on the dates for orientation and the beginning of teaching for the autumn semester. Most have indicated in broad terms the balance of time for students between on-campus and online learning. I have highlighted the requirement for all institutions to provide clarity to their students as soon as possible and to prioritise the overall student experience consistent with public health advice.
The delivery of further and higher education in the context of Covid-19 will cost the providers more not less. The Government has provided additional funding in the amount of €168m to support the return of students to further and higher education. Since the student contribution is an important source of revenue for higher education it is not possible to abolish student contribution fees. However additional funding being provided for student supports will be of assistance to many students particularly those with the least financial resources.
Some €10m in additional funding is being provided for improved supports for students. Most of this money will be used to top up the Student Assistance Fund, with remaining funding used to support students via the access services in the higher education institutions. In addition €15 million of capital funding is being provided to support disadvantaged students.
SUSI is working hard to ensure that student grant applications are processed in a timely manner as demand for the scheme is higher due to changed financial circumstances of students. The Department continues to monitor applications and subsequent assessments and awards. To date circa 90,000 applications have been received with 75,000 processed to a decision.
I will continue to work with further and higher education providers, agencies and key stakeholders, including student representatives to mitigate the additional pressures faced as a result of Covid-19.
