Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 October 2021
395. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if grant aid is available for a person (details supplied) who is a single mother returning to education who does not qualify for a SUSI grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49890/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe main support provided by my Department in terms of financial supports is the Student Grant Scheme. The Student Grant Scheme, administered by Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI), provides grant assistance to students attending an approved full-time course in an approved institution who meet the prescribed conditions of funding, including those relating to nationality, residency, previous academic attainment and means. The Student Grant Regulations prescribe that an approved course is a full-time course leading to a major higher education and training award which takes a minimum of two years to complete in an approved institution.
Apart from the student grant scheme the Student Assistance Fund (SAF) provides financial assistance to students experiencing financial difficulties while attending third level. Students can be assisted towards costs such as rent, childcare costs, transport costs and books/class materials. Students on full or part-time courses leading to a higher education award (NQF level 6-10) in the universities, institutes of technology and other approved colleges can apply for the SAF. The core allocation for the SAF is €9.1 million per annum which is expected to support circa 14,000 students. This includes €1 million which was added to the fund in 2017 for part-time students who are lone parents or members of the other access target groups. Prior to that the fund supported full-time students only. I have approved the allocation of an additional €8.1m from the Return to Education 2021 funding to top up the Student Assistance Fund (SAF). The SAF assists students in a sensitive and compassionate manner, who might otherwise be unable to continue their third level studies due to their financial circumstances. Institutions have the autonomy to maximise the flexibility in the Student Assistance Fund to enable HEIs to support students during the COVID-19 situation. Details of this fund are available from the Access Office in the third level institution attended. This fund is administered on a confidential, discretionary basis.
I also approved the continuation of the €1.9m COVID19 Contingency Fund is designed to address the wider needs of vulnerable students and target groups (pre-entry and post-entry) beyond those already catered for though the SAF.
The student may be eligible for Tax Relief at the standard rate of tax in respect of tuition fees paid for her course. Further information on this tax relief is available from the student's local Tax Office or from the Revenue Commissioners website, www.revenue.ie .
