Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 1 June 2023
102. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will further outline hisplans to expand SUSI eligibility to part-time students, as has been reported in the media; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26711/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe student grant scheme is targeted at full-time students. Courses that are part-time, less than two years in duration, undertaken online or as distance courses, or which lead to a special purpose or distance award, are not currently approved for the Student Grant Scheme.
However, I have been consistent in my position that we need to develop our student support system over time to ensure that it supports more flexible forms of learning. This will particularly benefit more disadvantaged learners, as recognised in the National Access Plan.
I have established a steering group to support the implementation of the Funding the Future reform framework. I chair this group alongside Professor Anne Looney and Professor Tom Collins, which is supported by two working groups comprising representatives of institutions, students, trade unions and employers. The working group focused on skills, participation and cost is currently examining the potential to support students to avail of more flexible learning opportunities.
Through the Funding the Future policy considerations, there is an increased recognition that supporting part-time, blended and postgraduate learning has the potential to transform access to learning in the medium term, once existing reform commitments are embedded within the sector.
Equally, however, the issue of expanding part-time delivery of third-level education in Ireland is complex and significant planning will need to be conducted at both national and institution level to manage the potentially significant impacts on educational institutions.
I would expect that this working group will provide their consideration of these issues in the coming months. Having regard to this initial assessment, my Department will then examine the priority areas that can form part of the consideration of Budget 2024, particularly with respect to supporting disadvantaged and under-represented learners.
