Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 September 2022
1316. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if financial assistance supports are available from his Department for third level post-leaving certificate students to cover the cost of rent; if such supports are available to students who have not qualified for the SUSI grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42928/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFurther to the clarifications received by phone from the Deputy's office, I am answering this question as it relates to higher education.
The Student Assistance Fund (SAF) is managed by the Higher Education Authority (HEA) on behalf of the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science (DFHERIS). These funds are allocated to Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) on academic year basis.
The SAF is allocated to Higher Education Institutions to assist participating students in both temporary and ongoing financial need.
This fund is available to assist eligible students who are unable to meet costs associated with day-to-day participation in higher education, including:
- Books and other class material that are required to enable students to continue and participate in teaching and learning and/or complete examinations
- Rent, heating and lighting bills and other utility bills e.g., mobile phone data plans, that are required to enable students to continue and participate in teaching and learning and/or complete examinations
- Food
- Essential travel
- Childcare costs
- Medical costs
- Family difficulties e.g., bereavement
The above list is not exhaustive. However, it is important that the nature of the expenditure for which assistance is being provided is clearly identified.
The Guidelines for the Student Assistance Fund are available here: hea.ie/funding-governance-performance/funding/student-finance/student-assistance-fund/.
