Léim ar aghaidh chuig an bpríomhábhar
Gnáthamharc

Grant Payments

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 21 October 2021

Thursday, 21 October 2021

Ceisteanna (249)

Gary Gannon

Ceist:

249. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will consider backdating the proposed increase to the SUSI maintenance grant announced in Budget 2022 to the 2020-2021 academic year in view of severe poverty facing students [51793/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

In Budget 2022 I secured €15 million to enhance our 2022 student grant scheme by increasing all

maintenance grant payments (including the special rate of grant) by €200 per year thus benefitting circa 62,000 Students; expanding the income threshold by €1000 (with the exception of the special rate of grant) and extending the qualifying distance for the higher non-adjacent rate of student grant to include those living within 30-45km from the approved institution which they are attending. I have secured an additional €20 million for 2022 within our allocation in anticipation of increased demand on SUSI due to potential change of circumstances from an economic downturn. I had already secured an additional €20million in 2021 to cover the cost of additional demands on the 2021/22 scheme.

The Student Grant Scheme operates in the context of limited public funding and competing educational priorities. The Scheme must also be approved by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. (The consent of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform must be sought In accordance with Section 16 of the Student Support Act 2011). I am cognisant of the difficulty that some students are experiencing and so on October 11th, 2021 as part of a €105 million package for Further and Higher Education provided by Government, I announced €17.2 million in student supports through the Student Assistance Fund and €5 million to support student mental health and wellbeing. 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 food, rent, heating and lighting bills and other utility bills, books/class materials and costs associated with childcare, transport and medical. 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. My Department's annual allocation is €9.1m per annum to this fund which supports circa 13,000 students.

 

Barr
Roinn