Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 1 December 2022
103. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will examine the position of students who must repeat a year of their degree course; if he will ensure that they receive supports available to others such as the reduction in registration fees previously announced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59784/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraA key principle of the design of the free fees initiative and the SUSI scheme is to encourage progression, that is, to support students in progressing through a chosen course of study from year to year.
As a result, students are not typically supported for a repeat period of study or for a different course at the same level.
This is to ensure that the limited resources available are best used to support as many students as possible to obtain one qualification at each level of study.
There are provisions whereby students who find themselves experiencing exceptional circumstances, for example serious certified illness, can apply from an exception from either their institution for free fees or from SUSI as the case may be.
Where students do not qualify for the Department’s free fees schemes, an appropriate fee may be determined by each higher education institution as autonomous bodies.
What this means is that the once off student contribution support of €1,000 therefore does not apply to students undertaking a repeat period of study if that period of study is not eligible for the free fees scheme in this academic year.
While not all students are eligible for free fees or student grants, the Deputy may wish to be aware that I have also allocated over €17 million in funding for the Student Assistance Fund for the current academic year. This Fund provides financial support to full and part-time students who are experiencing financial difficulties while attending college and can provide assistance towards their rent, childcare costs, transport costs and books/class materials. Applications can be made to this Fund through the Access Office in a student’s higher education institution.
Questions Nos. 104 and 105 answered orally.
