Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 May 2026
173. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to expand the eligibility of the student accommodation assistance scheme to include renter students who fall outside SUSI eligibility and experience financial hardship; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34845/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince its introduction in 2024 the Student Accommodation Assistance Scheme provides targeted financial support to Traveller, Roma and care-experienced students who face significant barriers in securing stable accommodation while in higher education.
During the 2024/25 academic year, €412,000 was allocated from Dormant Accounts Funding, supporting 85 students, including 64 from Traveller or Roma communities and 21 with experience of the care system.
During the 2025/26 academic year, €743,000 was allocated from Dormant Accounts Funding, supporting 142 students, including 95 from Traveller or Roma communities and 47 with experience of the care system.
Based on the success of the pilot, the recently launched Student Accommodation Strategy plans to develop a permanent accommodation bursary for these cohorts over the course of the strategy. The scheme is part of a wider commitment to removing accommodation-related barriers and improving equitable access to higher education in line with the National Access Plan.
In terms of supporting students who fall outside of SUSI eligibility criteria I was delighted to be in a position this year to make the first permanent reduction to the Student Contribution Charge which is expected to benefit 108,000 students. In addition, I have increased the threshold to avail of a Student Contribution Grant to €120,000. This is the highest it has ever been. This is alongside the rent tax credit, which offers up to €2,000 per year for eligible jointly assessed couples or €1,000 for eligible single applicants.
The Student Assistance Fund supports students facing financial hardship. In 2023/24, it assisted over 22,000 students with more than €19m. The SAF is designed to provide a source of financial support in addition to a student grant. I would encourage any student in financial difficulty to contact the student services office within their college to explore what supports may be available.
