Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 30 March 2023
89. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the measures being put in place to assist students who are facing huge pressures in living costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15667/23]
View answerAddressing the cost of education is a key priority for me.
As part of the Government's cost of living measures, every SUSI maintenance grant recipient received an additional once-off extra maintenance payment paid by the end of December 2022. This included PLC, undergraduate and Postgraduate Students who are in receipt of the Special Rate of Grant.
All higher education students who are eligible for the fees initiative benefited from a once off reduction in the Student Contribution rate of €1,000 for the 2022/2023 academic year.
PhD students funded by the SFI and the IRC also benefited from a once off payment of €500 in the current academic year.
Post Graduate Students who met the eligibility criteria for a Postgraduate Fee Contribution Grant benefited from a once off increase in this grant of €1,000 from €3,500 to €4,500.
In addition, I increased all maintenance grants effective from January 2023 in order to provide further financial assistance to those students most in need. The special rate and Band 1 rate of maintenance increased by 14% and all other maintenance grant rates increased by 10%.
I have also made two changes to the income thresholds for the student contribution grant for the academic year 2023/24 which will reduce the cost of education for students and families by:-
- Increasing the income limit from €55,240 to €62,000 for students to avail of the 50% Undergraduate Student Contribution and
- Introducing a new Student Contribution grant to the value of €500 for qualifying families on incomes earning between €62,000 and €100,000.
It is estimated that between 42,500 and 50,000 families could receive support under the Student Grant Scheme in 2023 for the first time as a result of these measures.
I have introduced additional amendments also.
- The holiday earnings provision under the Student Grant Scheme will allow for a deduction up to a maximum amount of €6552 (an increase from €4500) to be applied to student earnings outside of term time within the reference period when calculating reckonable income for grant eligibility for the 2023/2024 academic year. This will mean students can work and not lose eligibility for their grant; and
- Income up to €14,000 as declared to Revenue under the Government's Rent a Room Scheme will not be counted as reckonable income when calculating eligibility for the 2023/2024 academic year.
As a result of both measures some students may find that they will receive a higher rate of grant and some new students may also find themselves eligible for a grant for the first time once these measures are introduced.
In addition, a total of €21 million of funding has been secured for the Student Assistance Fund for the current academic year. Students in third-level institutions experiencing exceptional financial need can apply for support under the Student Assistance Fund (SAF). The Fund provides financial support to students who are experiencing financial difficulties while attending college. Students can apply for SAF to help with either temporary or ongoing financial difficulties and can be assisted 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. It is designed to provide a source of financial support in addition to a SUSI grant. Applications can be made under the Student Assistance Fund (SAF) through the Access Office in the third level institution you are attending. They will have more information concerning their own HEI. More information on this fund and other supports are also available at www.studentfinance.ie
