Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 16 October 2025
30. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the details of additional funding being provided under the Student Assistance Fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55995/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Student Assistance Fund (SAF) is a very important element of the range of supports and interventions in place to support students and their families. The core funding allocation for this vital Fund continues to be monitored, with respect to demand.
Alongside the support provided through the SAF, I have made a range of other targeted improvements to schemes which assist students and families during their third level education.
In this current academic year, effective from September 2025, all standard maintenance and student contribution grant thresholds increased by 15% for all eligible students.
As part of Budget 2026, I have increased permanent support for eligible students, with non-adjacent maintenance grant holders receiving an increase payment of:
• Non-Adjacent Special Rate will increase by €350
• Band 1 Non-Adjacent Rate will increase by €430
• Bands 2-4 Non-Adjacent Rates will increase by €200
Importantly, eligible students will receive this support in this academic year. Effective from 1st January 2026, eligible students will see a pro-rata increase to their grant rate ranging from €111- €239. This measure is expected to help support students with accommodation costs or who commute long distances to access higher education.
I have also introduced other Budget 2026 measures which include:
• The income threshold for the special rate of grant will increase in line with social welfare from €27,400 to €28,600.
• The income threshold for the €500 student contribution will increase from €115,000 to €120,000.
• I will be also introducing additional income disregards including an income disregard for applicants in receipt of Disablement Benefit.
• I have increased the Fund for Students with Disabilities and mental health supports.
