Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 21 March 2024
329. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if option 1 (details supplied) was used for calculating the amount due for those in receipt of the award of no maintenance 50% SUSI contribution; if so, the reason option 2 was not considered which would have had a greater reduction in the net amount due; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13462/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn Budget 2024, as part of one off funded cost of living measures, I was pleased to secure a reduction of up to €1,000 in the student contribution payable by free fees eligible undergraduate students for academic year 2023/24.
Through this measure the Government reduced the amount payable by free fees eligible students to their institution from €3,000 to €2,000 in academic year 2023/24. This reduction was achieved by the provision of up to €1,000, for each free fees eligible student, to the Higher Education Institutions.
The appropriate revisions to the student contribution supports available under the student grant scheme, as administered by Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI), were based on the revised student contribution rate of €2,000 as follows:
50% Student Contribution Grant
• Under the Budget 2024 measure the State provided a once off payment of €1,000 to the HEI (reducing the student contribution to €2,000).
• SUSI paid €1,000 to the HEI on behalf of the student in line with the 50% grant (50% of €2,000).
• The balance of the student contribution to be paid was €1,000.
100% Student Contribution Grant:
• Under the Budget 2024 measure the State provided a once off payment of €1,000 to the HEI (reducing the contribution to €2,000).
• SUSI paid €2,000 to the HEI (100% of €2,000)
• The balance of the student contribution to be paid was €0, no change to original position.
€500 student contribution grant:
• Under the Budget 2024 measure the State provided a once off payment of €1,000 to the HEI (reducing the contribution to €2,000).
• SUSI paid €500 to the HEI.
• The balance of the student contribution to be paid was €1,500.
