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Student Universal Support Ireland

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 November 2020

Tuesday, 3 November 2020

Ceisteanna (995)

Carol Nolan

Ceist:

995. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will expand eligibility for the SUSI grant to part-time students studying in publicly funded further and higher education and training institutions to provide financial support to non-traditional, mature and part-time learners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32974/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I 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. The Fund provides financial support through bursaries to new entrants to higher education who are identified by regional clusters of HEIs as meeting the eligibility criteria for the Fund. To be considered for a bursary students must be socio-economically disadvantaged and from one of the target groups identified in the National Access Plan. Target groups include entrants from under-represented socio-economic groups and communities; entrants with disabilities; first time mature entrants; members of the Irish Traveller community; students entering on the basis of a further education award; part-time flexible learners, Lone parents and ethnic minorities;

- 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.

Also in relation to mature students, consultants have been appointed by the HEA to undertake research on the issues and challenges associated with first-time mature student participation in higher education and to make recommendations for how access to, and participation in, higher education by mature students can be supported in the future. The report is expected to be published early next year.

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