Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 November 2022
455. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will consider extending the €1,000 reduction in the student contribution fee to disabled students who have already finished an undergraduate programme but need to retrain through no fault of their own; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56534/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs part of Budget 2023, in recognition of the cost of living financial challenges facing full time third level students funded through my Department, I have secured a significant cost of living package for third level students, including a once-off €1,000 state financial support towards the undergraduate student contribution fee for higher education students eligible for my Department’s free fees schemes.
The once off reduction of €1,000 relates specifically to the student contribution payable by students eligible for free tuition fees under my Department's free fees schemes in academic year 22/23 and will reduce the student contribution payable from €3,000 to €2,000 in 22/23. In this regard, all full time undergraduate students eligible for free fees and paying the student contribution will benefit from this measure.
Under the Department's Free Fees schemes, the Exchequer provides funding towards tuition fees, exclusive of the student contribution, on behalf of eligible first time undergraduate students attending approved full-time undergraduate courses. In order to qualify for funding under the Free Fees schemes, students must meet the criteria of the scheme including previous education attainment. Students pursuing a second undergraduate course of study are not eligible for free fees funding.
Subsidised training programmes for graduates seeking to retrain are available including Springboard+ and the Human Capital Initiative. Information on retraining opportunities are available on gov.ie www.gov.ie/en/publication/89b3c-learn-new-skills-or-retrain/.
I am conscious that not all higher education students are eligible for free fees or student grants and so, as part of the cost-of-living measures, I have, as referenced above, allocated a further €8 million of funding for the Student Assistance Fund (SAF) for the current academic year. This Fund provides financial support to students who are experiencing financial difficulties while attending college and can provide assistance towards their rent, childcare costs, transport costs and books/class materials. It is open to both full and part-time registered students on courses of not less than one year's duration leading to an undergraduate or postgraduate qualification. Applications can be made under the SAF through the Access Office in a student’s third level institution.
