Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 October 2020
88. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his views on the omission of financial supports for part-time students in budget 2021; and if part-time students will be eligible for the planned €250 universal student payment . [31362/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI think it is important to note the range of additional supports which have been put in place for students as part of Budget 2021 and as part of the Government's Covid response earlier this year.
- I have doubled the level of funding available in the Student Assistance Fund for this academic year;
- I have increased the level of funding for the 1916 Bursary Fund (also known as PATH 2) to €5 million per annum, which will provide an additional 200 bursaries, bringing the total number for 2021 to 1,000 bursaries for the most disadvantaged students in the country;
- I have secured an additional €20 million in funding for SUSI next year to cover increased applications to the scheme;
- I have allocated €6 million to enhance SUSI support for postgraduates;
- I put in place a €15 million scheme to support access to laptops and digital devices;
- I have allocated €8m to enable SOLAS to establish a Mitigating Educational Disadvantage Fund to support providers in engaging with learners who are at the greatest risk of disconnection from the education and training system;
- I have secured €50 million to provide financial assistance to full time third level students in recognition of the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on this group; and
- I have also allocated €3m for wellbeing and mental health.
Within this package of measures there are supports which apply to part-time students:
- Students awarded a 1916 bursary can study on either a full-time or a part-time basis.
- All 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 Officer in the third level institution attended. This fund is administered on a confidential, discretionary basis.
- Part-time students can apply to their institutions for the laptop scheme and to access well-being and mental health support.
I do think it is important to look more widely and how we can facilitate learners in different circumstances. That is why I have announced a review of SUSI to guide the future strategic direction of the scheme. This review will include a focus on examining the future role of the student grant system in supporting different forms of provision in line with national priorities, including part-time provision. This review will report back to me next year.
