Grant Payments

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 July 2023

Tuesday, 25 July 2023

Ceisteanna (1453)

Ivana Bacik

Ceist:

1453. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the estimated cost of increasing the SUSI grant allowance for earnings outside of term-time to €13,104, that is, doubling it; if he will provide a projected cost of this allowance being extended to term-time earnings, based on a living wage of €13.10, at 22 hours per week of term time over 28-weeks for approximately €8,070; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36896/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science

In advance of Budget 2024 this autumn, and as I did last year, I will be publishing an options paper which will set out various possible measures to address the cost of education.

I am doing this in order to facilitate public discussion on the various choices available to amend student supports. I will have regard to options in relation to earnings outside of term-time, including options on increasing the holiday earnings provision under the Student Grant Scheme, when costing options.