Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 October 2022
95. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the timeframe for when the double payment of student grants will be implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51358/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am pleased that as part of the Government's cost of living measures, every SUSI maintenance grant recipient will receive an additional once-off extra maintenance payment. This includes PLC students, undergraduate students and Postgraduate Students who are in receipt of the Special Rate of Grant.
Students will receive an additional payment equivalent to one monthly maintenance grant payment. I can confirm that this additional once-off payment will be made on 16 December 2022.
In addition, I have also increased the Maintenance Grant rates by 14% for those on the Special and Band 1 rate of grant and by 10% for all other Maintenance grant holders. Importantly, for students in the current academic year the change in rates will be effective from January 2023 so students in the current academic year will see their grant payments increase proportionately once this measure comes into effect in January.
