Assistance for third level students welcome – Brendan Smith TD

I welcome the announcement by Minister of State for Skills and Further Education, Niall Collins T.D., that additional assistance is being made available for third level students in a €50 million once-off covid payment scheme.
 
The funding, which was provided in Budget 2021, will offer financial assistance to all EU full-time undergraduate and postgraduate students in recognition of the significant upheaval they have experienced due to Covid-19 pandemic.
 
This scheme will ensure students who avail of the SUSI grant will receive €250 top-up in their grant before Christmas, while students who do not avail of the grant can reduce by €250 any outstanding contribution fee payments or receive a €250 credit note for their institution. In a small number of cases, alternative arrangements will be made for the payment of the monies to students.