Departmental Funding

Tuesday, 24 September 2024

Questions (565)

Michael Lowry

Question:

565. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will allocate additional funding for period products and the fund for students with disabilities; if he will establish a Government-funded T-fund for trans and non-binary students to address social inequalities and support disadvantaged students which is a key ask of an organisation (details supplied) in it's pre-Budget 2025 submission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37930/24]

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Written answers

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

As a part of Budget 2025, I intend to continue removing barriers to education to assist students in reaching their full potential or pursuing their goals and getting to where they want to in life.

As the Deputy will appreciate, the Estimates process in ongoing. While I cannot pre-empt the budgetary process addressing costs for families and learners and supporting disadvantaged students will be a priority for me in the Budget 2025 discussions.