Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 December 2025
1171. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the grants available to a person (details supplied) enrolled in a course SUSI does not cover; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [71992/25]
View answerAs the Minister is aware, the decision on eligibility for a student grant is a matter, in the first instance, for the awarding authority, SUSI to determine. Up until the 2024/25 academic year, there was no fee support for students undertaking part-time courses. In recognition of the importance of flexible learning pathways, the Department introduced a new Part-Time Fee Scheme for Specified Undergraduate Courses in 2024. This scheme provides fee support to eligible part-time students enrolled in specified publicly funded undergraduate courses leading to a major award. It applies to both in-person and blended/hybrid courses and is designed to enhance access to higher education for students from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
At present, the scheme is limited to undergraduate courses, as the Student Support Act 2011 only permits approval of part-time courses at undergraduate level. The Student Part-Time Fee Scheme Regulations 2025, published on www.irishstatutuebook.ie, outlines the approved courses. I can confirm that the course the student is attending is not on the approved list. The Department is committed to supporting flexible forms of learning and will keep the policies surrounding support for part-time students under review. However, any future expansion of the parameters of the scheme can only be considered in the context of the budgetary allocation, having regard to overall resource constraints and other competing demands in the further and higher education sector.
Students on part-time undergraduate programmes may also be eligible to apply to the Student Assistance Fund (SAF) for financial support. This Fund provides financial support to full and part-time students who are experiencing financial difficulties while attending college and can provide assistance towards their rent, childcare costs, transport costs and books/class materials. I understand that the student to whom the Minister refers has already received financial support through the SAF. In addition, tax relief at the standard rate of tax may also be available in respect of tuition fees paid for approved courses at approved colleges of higher education. Further information on this tax relief is available from the Revenue Commissioners website, www.revenue.ie.
