Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 November 2021
468. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the status of the commitment in the Programme for Government for addressing the gap in postgraduate grants particularly in relation to part-time postgraduate grants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59108/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe principal support provided by the Department in financial terms is the Student Grant Scheme administered by SUSI. Under the terms of the Scheme, grant assistance is awarded to students attending an approved course in an approved institution who meet the prescribed conditions of funding, including those relating to nationality, residency, previous academic attainment and means.
This year’s scheme includes enhanced supports for postgraduate students which I secured in Budget 2021. This is an initial step in meeting part of the Government’s commitments regarding SUSI grant support. I also secured an additional €20m in Budget 2021 to meet anticipated demands on the scheme as a consequence of the Covid pandemic.
Approved courses for the Student Grant Scheme are prescribed in the Student Support Regulations 2021 and in the Student Support Act 2011. The Regulations prescribe that an approved postgraduate course is a full-time course of not less than one year duration pursued in an approved institution listed in the relevant Regulations. Under the current Regulations part-time, Online/Distance learning courses do not meet this definition and are not approved courses under the Student Grant Scheme.
I am happy to give an update on the review of the Student Grant Scheme. This was a very important commitment in the Programme for Government, which will help shape decision-making on how we support students over the years to come.
As part of the review of the Student Grant Scheme, the definition of “an approved” course within the current student grant scheme eligibility requirements is being examined.
I am currently awaiting the final report of the review of the Student Grant System. I understand that the work is at an advanced stage, and is at the point of finalisation by the consultants and the Steering Committee. My expectation is that I will receive the final report before Christmas. My intention is to submit the report to Government, and then to publish it.
