Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 May 2022
166. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his plans to extend supports to students studying part-time pursuant to the independent review of the student grant scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25305/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Student Grant Scheme, grant assistance is awarded to eligible students attending an approved full-time course at an approved institution. Part-time courses are not currently eligible for support under the scheme. In 2021 I approved a review of the Student Grant Scheme to ensure that adequate student supports are in place, alongside the sustainable funding model for the sector. One of the recommendations from the DG Reform’s Structural Reform Support Programme is the need for a policy proposal for the re-design of the higher education funding system in Ireland that would provide equity in access, efficiency in the investment of public resources and sustainability in the face of strong demographic growth.
The Student Grant Scheme review raised the issue of flexible learning citing that many socio economically disadvantaged students would have considered part-time if the option had been available to them. This aligns with the findings of the consultation undertaken for the National Plan for Equity of Access to Higher Education which identified the need for the sector to provide flexible learning options for people disadvantaged by socio-economic barriers, mature students, students with a disability and members of the travelling community.
I officially launched both reports on May 4th and am committed to implementing the recommendations in a phased way, in the context of successive annual Estimates processes. This summer in advance of the Estimates process, I intend to publish a paper outlining potential options and impacts, to be considered in the Budgetary process, related to the Student Grant scheme and other programmes related to student supports and costs of higher education, including with respect to those priorities identified in the Student Grant Scheme Review.
The issue of potentially expanding part-time delivery of tertiary education in Ireland is a complex one and significant planning will need to be conducted at both national and institution level to manage the significant supply-side impacts on educational institutions. An internal working group will be established within my Department to support lifelong learning and explore the extension of financial supports to include part-time students.
Part-time students in third-level institutions experiencing exceptional financial need can apply for support under the Student Assistance Fund. 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.
Also, tax relief at the standard rate of tax may be available in respect of tuition fees paid for approved courses at approved colleges of higher education. Further information on this relief is available from a student’s local Tax Office or from the Revenue Commissioners website, www.revenue.ie.
