Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 26 November 2020
317. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the amount drawn down to date from the €168 million package for further and higher education sectors to deal with the impacts of Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39369/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government has provided funding in the amount of €168m to support the return of students to further and higher education for the academic year 20/21. This included €150million in new funding and a re-prioritisation of €18million.
The specific student supports include a doubling of the Student Assistance Fund, and a €15 million technology fund for devices for students in further and higher education.
For the Education providers under the remit of my Department, the allocation includes funding towards Support to Front line response; Immediate ICT costs relating to online provision; Health and Safety Costs; Research costs and funds towards assisting the enrolment of International Students.
Elements of the funding have already been drawn:
- €47million in respect of researchers affected by Covid-19 was granted to the HEA.
- Funding of €15million was provided in respect of a fund for student devices, broken down as €10 million to the higher education sector and €5m to the Further Education and Training sector.
- €5 million was granted to SOLAS for the Further Education and Training sector to meet PPE costs arising out of the Covid-19 pandemic.
- €1.9m in respect of student access measures in higher education.
The final distribution of the funding allocations to providers is ongoing and remaining funds will be will be requisitioned shortly.
